U.S. Lawmakers Propose $2.5 Billion Agency to Bolster Critical Mineral Supply

U.S. lawmakers from both parties have introduced a proposal to establish a new $2.5 billion federal agency aimed at accelerating domestic production of rare earths and other critical minerals, as reported by AP and MSN. The initiative is designed to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese supply chains for materials essential to high-tech manufacturing, electric vehicles, and defense systems, and comes on top of existing Trump administration measures targeting China’s dominance in these markets. While the legislation’s alignment with current White House policy is not yet defined, the push underscores growing strategic and security concerns that could indirectly affect energy and commodities markets, including Oil – Brent Crude, Oil – US Crude, and Natural Gas, through potential shifts in investment flows, supply-chain resilience strategies, and broader industrial demand.

Over the past month, Brent crude prices have advanced about 5.34%, while U.S. crude has gained roughly 4.96%, moves that reflect continued sensitivity to macroeconomic expectations and geopolitical policy shifts rather than direct fundamentals alone. Natural gas has rallied more sharply, up about 36.60% over the same period, indicating heightened volatility and positioning around demand and weather dynamics. From a short-term technical perspective, all three contracts currently flash a one-day Buy signal for Brent, a one-day Buy signal for U.S. crude, and a one-day Buy signal for natural gas, suggesting near-term bullish momentum that investors may weigh alongside evolving U.S. policy on strategic minerals and industrial supply chains. Investors can explore more updates, prices, and analysis across global markets at Commodities.