U.S. Military Leaders Advocate for Critical Mineral Tax Credits

In May 2025, a coalition of 23 retired U.S. military leaders, including Admiral Dennis Blair and General Joseph Dunford, urged Congress to preserve critical mineral tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These credits support domestic production of essential minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, vital for clean energy technologies and national defense. The military leaders, affiliated with the energy security group SAFE, emphasized that repealing these incentives could jeopardize $125 billion in investments and 100,000 jobs across 15 states, while increasing reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly from China.

The debate over these tax credits has created divisions within the Republican Party. While some members advocate for their repeal to reduce federal spending, others, especially those representing districts benefiting from clean energy projects, support maintaining the incentives. This internal conflict complicates efforts to amend or repeal the IRA, as any changes require a simple majority in Congress.

The outcome of this debate will significantly impact the U.S. strategy for securing critical mineral supply chains and advancing clean energy initiatives. The military leaders' advocacy underscores the national security implications of domestic mineral production and the importance of maintaining these tax credits to reduce dependence on foreign sources.