S.Amdt. 3648

SA 3648, submitted by Mr. Hagerty, aims to add new requirements and priorities regarding how strategic and critical materials are sourced for the Department of Defense.

Changes to Notification Requirements

The amendment adds a requirement for the Secretary, via the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, to notify congressional defense committees within 30 days of awarding a contract, grant, loan, or other transaction authority for covered materials (including germanium and gallium). This notification is required if the project:

• Is located outside the United States.
• Is not expected to use primarily domestic feedstock.
• Is not expected to use entirely domestic processing and refining capacity.

The notification must include the investment amount and location, the sources and locations for processing and refining, and the sources and locations of feedstock for recycling, manufacturing, refining, and processing.

Preference for Domestic Sourcing

The amendment adds a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to prioritize investment in integrated sources that produce, process, and refine minerals within the United States to the maximum extent practicable. This prioritization applies to:

• Investments from the Industrial Base Fund.
• Authorities under title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950.
• Programs like the National Defense Stockpile.