Capitol News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07)  on June 29, 2023, announced that she is co-leading bipartisan legislation to encourage domestic production of minerals critical to U.S. economic and national security by adding phosphate and potash – minerals used for the production of fertilizer – to the Department of Interior’s Critical Minerals List. 
The legislation can be found HERE.
Currently, foreign countries like Russia and China control a significant portion of the global market and supply of potash and phosphate. This leaves U.S. agriculture vulnerable in the event of supply disruptions, like those after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Adding the minerals to the Critical Minerals List will encourage domestic production, securing U.S. fertilizer production and driving down costs for farmers.
"Our food security is our national security, so when we're dependent on Russian and Chinese minerals for the fertilizer that grows our crops, we are putting ourselves at risk," said Slotkin. "Adding potash and phosphate to the Department of Interior's Critical Minerals List will accurately reflect their strategic importance, encouraging increased domestic production, lowering fertilizer costs for our farmers, and keeping our food supply secure. And as one of the only states to hold its own supply of potash, Michigan is well-equipped to fuel a resurgence in production."
"Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin’s bipartisan proposal to include potash and phosphate fertilizer on the U.S. Critical Minerals List ensures the federal government will treat our nation’s food security as a national security issue," said Chuck Lippstreu, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association. "A reliable supply of plant nutrients, including potash, is essential for the success of Michigan and U.S. agriculture. Fertilizer market disruptions during the past two years underscore the need to include these products on the nation’s Critical Minerals List. We appreciate Congresswoman Slotkin for stepping up on behalf of Michigan’s farmers and rural businesses with this common-sense legislation.”
“We have clearly seen how international supply chain disruptions can negatively impact agriculture. Adding Phosphate and Potash to the Department of the Interior's Critical Minerals list is vital to safeguard our farmers ability to provide a cost-effective food supply to the consumers. We applaud Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and her colleagues for introducing this bipartisan legislation,” said Carl Bednarski, President, Michigan Farm Bureau.
The bill is co-led in the House by Reps. Kat Cammack (FL-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Barry Moore (AL-02). Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

Original source can be found here.