China's up to its same old tricks – reminding the world of the chokehold it has on the world's rare earths supply chains. It is now limiting rare earths exports to Japan, impacting its ability to produce components for global chip makers, and the auto and defense industries. The move is reportedly in retaliation for comments by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae suggesting the country could become involved in a conflict over Taiwan. All the more reason for us in the US to double down on developing our own domestic supply chains.

And in Congress, yesterday the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing that suggested that nuclear power could be one of Washington's few areas getting bipartisan support.

And finally the House is on track to pass bipartisan spending bills for the Department of Energy, the Interior Department, EPA and other agencies today. If the House passes the "minibus," it could be up with the Senate next week. This is all part of the push to avoid another government shutdown after Jan. 30.