It is a settled proposition that the availability of materials is essential for national security, economic development and industrial production.
The availability of materials is affected by foreign sources of essential industrial materials, instability in materials markets, ever-increasing international competition and demand for materials and the need for energy and materials conservation. Extraction, production, use and disposal of materials are linked with national concerns for energy and the environment and hence the United States is holds ties with other nations through international trade in materials and other products.
The United States lacks a consolidated national materials policy and a specific program to ensure the availability of materials essential for economic well-being, national defense and industrial production
The Congress has declared that it is a policy of the United States to promote a sufficient and steady supply of materials necessary to maintain national security, economic well-being and industrial development. It is the responsibility of the President of the US to coordinate the responsible departments and agencies to identify material needs and availability of materials important for development of trade and commerce. Moreover, he is entrusted to establish a mechanism for the coordination and evaluation of Federal materials programs, including research and developments. Further, it is his responsibility also to promote and encourage private enterprises in the development of economically stable domestic materials industries.
The President also directs that the responsible departments and agencies identify and make recommendations for carrying out specific policies and programs to ensure adequate materials supplies essential to national security, economic development and industrial productions.
