State Department would train economic officers; Congress would recommend critical-minerals adviser

The Secretary of State would create a program about global supply chains and strategic competition with China and make it mandatory for covered economic officers. It would cover entry-level economic officers before the end of their second tour and officers heading to overseas jobs focused mainly on critical minerals or energy. Courses would cover international agreements, U.S. supply-chain plans, competition with China, country conditions, and practical work during negotiations and crises. The training requirements would end three years after enactment.

The Secretary would require added critical-minerals and risk-reduction training before covered officers deploy abroad and would share all critical-minerals course materials with named federal offices. The training would apply to economic officers sent to countries important to mineral production or supply chains, or countries facing disruption, resource conflict, or strategic vulnerabilities. Training would cover U.S. policy, local markets and government, national-security risks, supply threats, and diplomatic tools. Materials would go to two named Department of War offices. A final category for other federal agencies is unfinished in the text. These training requirements would end three years after enactment.

Congress would state that the National Security Council should have a special adviser for critical minerals and supply chains. The adviser should coordinate domestic and international supply-chain work across responsible federal agencies. The role should rank like a deputy national security adviser, make policy recommendations, and serve as a link to Congress, relevant industries, and the State Department's economic-affairs under secretary or that official's representative.