Legislative Activity

The STRATEGIC Minerals Act aims to secure the U.S. supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements by authorizing the President to negotiate and enter into free trade agreements with countries that meet specific requirements. It sets negotiating objectives to reduce trade barriers, improve international trade rules, and foster economic growth while promoting sustainable practices and protecting worker rights. The Act also expands the definition of "domestic source" under the Defense Production Act to include businesses in free trade agreement countries, subject to restrictions on foreign ownership and ties to entities of concern, and requires the Secretary of Defense to determine mineral supply deficiencies. The Act seeks to ensure a stable and secure supply of minerals essential for advanced technology, economic growth, and national security.

The Small Business Technological Act of 2025 expands the permitted uses of Small Business Administration 7(a) loans to include the purchase of business software, cloud computing services, and artificial intelligence tools. This legislation enables small businesses to leverage modern technology to streamline operations, such as payroll, accounting, and sales, without altering existing rules regarding research and development or working capital.