This has certainly been the year of mining. Minerals—and securing access to them—have been in the headlines on a daily basis, with the Administration and Congress keenly focused on America's minerals future. From executive orders to agency actions, the creation of the National Energy Dominance Council to investments and financing for a wide range of mining projects, the administration and policymakers have supercharged a new era of minerals independence and supply chain strength. The Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection agency and Department of Energy all focused on cutting regulatory barriers, while the USGS expanded the Critical Minerals List and the Department of War made good use of Defense Production Act funds. And thanks to the FAST41 program and NEPA improvements, more than 50 projects are now benefitting from new transparency in the permitting process. The message? mineral security is key to America's economic strength, energy dominance and national security agenda. As we move into 2026, we need to ensure that the improvements that have been made are lasting, and an important way to do that is by Congress enacting comprehensive permitting reform.