Congressional Committees Examine Priorities on Infrastructure and Critical Mineral Supply Chains
This week, two congressional committees held hearings and markups with implications for the recreational boating industry, including markups of an infrastructure appropriations bill and a hearing focused on U.S. critical mineral security.
House Appropriations Subcommittee Advances FY 2026 Energy and Water Development Bill
On July 14, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development held a markup of its fiscal year 2026 funding bill. The draft legislation includes $9.9 billion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support construction and maintenance of the nation’s ports, harbors and inland waterways. It would fund the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and prioritize key inland waterway construction projects that are essential for the safe flow of commerce and recreational access nationwide.
Subcommittee Chair Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) described the Army Corps allocation as a robust investment focused on high-priority projects critical to national commerce and energy security. Provisions supporting harbor maintenance and navigation infrastructure received bipartisan recognition during the markup. Members on both sides of the aisle highlighted the economic and community value of resilient marine infrastructure, particularly in the face of severe weather events and growing demand for efficient waterborne transportation.
This latest step signals continued congressional attention to infrastructure that supports the recreational boating industry. The HMTF funds dredging and maintenance of coastal and inland harbors, ensuring safe, reliable access for both recreational vessels and commercial shipping.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Highlights U.S. Vulnerabilities in Critical Mineral Supply Chains
On July 15, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific held a hearing titled “Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains.” Witnesses included Frank Fannon, Managing Director of Fannon Global Advisors; former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV); and former Under Secretary of State José Fernández. They testified on the strategic risks posed by China’s dominance in critical mineral mining, processing and refining, particularly for materials essential to marine electronics, propulsion systems and advanced manufacturing.
Witnesses called on Congress to accelerate domestic mining and processing capacity, streamline permitting and strengthen partnerships with allied nations to develop more resilient and diversified supply chains. Fernández emphasized that China’s control over mineral markets allows it to “manipulate prices and apply geopolitical pressure.” Fannon urged a coordinated U.S. response to secure economic and national security, stating that the current landscape "demands more than words, it demands resolve."
The hearing also highlighted the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ongoing Section 232 investigation into critical mineral imports. The Bureau of Industry and Security is reviewing whether current import levels pose a national security threat and whether tariffs or other trade restrictions may be warranted. Several witnesses, including Manchin, voiced support for robust trade tools, including Section 232 and Section 301 authorities, as part of a comprehensive strategy to counter unfair practices and ensure U.S. industrial competitiveness.
The recreational marine industry depends on secure access to critical minerals for next-generation technologies. These discussions underscore a focus on strategic action to increase U.S. capacity and dominance in the supply chain.
NMMA actively monitors congressional hearings with implications for the recreational boating industry and engages with lawmakers and staff to shape the dialogue where appropriate. For more information on infrastructure developments or critical mineral trade negotiations impacting marine manufacturing, contact Clay Crabtree, Senior Director of Public Policy, at [email protected].