NEMA welcomed introduction by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) of legislation to update federal policy related to mineral resources critical to U.S. manufacturing industries. These materials include 17 so-called "rare-earth elements," as well as yttrium, scandium, cobalt, lithium, and thorium. An update of previous legislation, American Mineral Security Act of 2015 specifically recognizes importance of critical materials for energy-, technology-, and healthcare-related industries.