As the United States and Iran exchange strikes amid peace negotiations, recent economic disruptions caused by the conflict highlight how vulnerable key commodity markets are to geopolitical tensions. Aside from oil, domestic supply of commodities essential for our national security, such as steel and aluminum, has been put at risk, making self-reliance more necessary than ever. 

During my time in Congress as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, it became clear to me that the U.S. must create and sustain the industrial base necessary to support our national security. Domestic aluminum production is particularly urgent. It is a vital material for our fighter jets — like those I flew in more than 30 combat missions during the Iraq War — armored vehicles, naval systems, and the U.S. aircraft carriers I landed on over 300 times.