NOTE: Read the "Background" and watch the video under "Resources" below before answering the questions.

1. What is the difference between critical minerals and rare earth minerals?

2. For what purposes/products does the U.S. use critical minerals?

3. Why did President Trump invoke the Defense Production Act in his executive order to increase American production of critical minerals?

4. a) What does the president's order allow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to do?
b) What does the order require Interior Secretary Doug Bergum to do?
c) What does the order direct relevant department and agency heads to do?

5. From the Fact Sheet summarizing President Trump's executive order on critical minerals:

The United States currently imports a significant portion of its minerals from foreign countries, creating economic and security risks, despite possessing a vast supply of critical minerals.

• The United States is 100% import-reliant on at least 15 critical minerals, and imports of nonfuel mineral commodities make up more than half of U.S. consumption.
• U.S. capacity utilization for the metal mining industry has declined for years.

China, Iran, and Russia control large deposits of several minerals critical to the U.S., posing a national security risk.

• 70% of U.S. imports of rare earths come from China.

A strong domestic mineral production industry would ensure U.S. companies can compete globally without overly relying on foreign supply chains.

Critical minerals are essential for U.S. military readiness, as they are key components in fighter jets, satellites, submarines, smart bombs, and missile guidance systems.

Prioritizing U.S. National Security: President Trump is committed to ending American dependence on hostile foreign powers for critical minerals.

[Executive orders are directives issued by the president to manage the federal government’s operations, rooted in the president’s constitutional authority (Article II) or powers delegated by Congress. They carry the force of law but are inherently less permanent than statutes because they can be reversed by a subsequent president. ...
A law passed by Congress, requiring approval from both the House and Senate and the president’s signature (or a veto override), making it far harder to undo. Once enacted, it can only be repealed by another act of Congress or ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.]

What do you think? Should Congress pass a law similar to President Trump's executive order that ensures U.S. domestic production of critical minerals? Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE:
Do a search for how the U.S. uses the following critical minerals:
-uranium
-copper
-potash
-gold