Sens. Marshall, Scott Introduce Restricting Taliban Critical Mineral Trade Act

(Washington, D.C., September 23, 2021) – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. and Rick Scott introduced the Restricting Taliban Critical Mineral Trade Act to require the Administration to place sanctions on Chinese or Russian companies that enter into contracts or otherwise do business with the Taliban related to critical mineral exploration or development, as well as prohibit access to U.S. investments to fund the exploitation of critical minerals in Afghanistan. This legislation follows reports of China signaling their intention to form a “friendly cooperation with Afghanistan” and considering deploying military personnel to Afghanistan following the recent withdrawal of the U.S. military.

“The Taliban’s heinous crimes against humanity should disqualify them from achieving economic gain through business deals with other nations, but it comes as no surprise that China and Russia are willing to ignore the Taliban’s horrific actions against the Afghan people for financial gain,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislation keeps the Taliban from gaining influence in the region, while preventing China and Russia from exploiting Afghanistan and further exerting their dominance over the global critical mineral supply.”

Senator Rick Scott said, “The terrorist Taliban regime presents a significant threat to the safety and security of the United States and it makes perfect sense that Russia and Communist China are rushing in to take advantage. We must do whatever it takes to stop activity that fuels the evil of these oppressive regimes. I am proud to join Senator Marshall in introducing this good bill to place strong sanctions on any company from Russia or Communist China that attempts to exploit Afghanistan’s critical mineral resources and support the evil Taliban leadership.”

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