(Radio Iowa) – Republican Senator Joni Ernst says the Pentagon must start finding new suppliers and stockpiling critical minerals, like cobalt and lithium. “which are used to product engines, night vision equipment and other modern military technologies,” Ernst says. “For instance, the Air Force’s premier fighter jet, the F22, is made with layers of titanium alloy, much of which is sourced from Russia and China.”

Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is joining with a Democrat from West Virginia to sponsor legislation that would update the list of critical minerals in the National Defense Stockpile. Ernst says the U.S. must find new sources rather than rely on mining in places like China. “If we opened up our own mining and resourcing here in the United States it would alleviate part of the problem,” Ernst says. “Those minerals that we don’t have here domestically, then we do have partners and allies that we can rely on around the globe.”

Africa and Australia are the site of mining operations that yield the types of critical minerals needed, according to Ernst. She cites a 2019 report that found China provides 82 percent of the world supply of tungsten which is used to strengthen other metals. “Botton line, we can’t allow China and Afghanistan and others to control the minerals that we need for our national defense,” Ernst says.

A Chinese company is currently negotiating with the Taliban to tap into one of the world’s largest reserves of copper and security analysts expect China to seek access to Afghanistan’s untapped reserves of uranium, iron ore and other minerals.

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a tax break for the aircraft industry. The state sales tax on parts for planes and on the labor to maintain and repair aircraft will no longer be charged after July 1st. During House debate in April, Representative Lee Hein, of Monticello, said none of the states that surround Iowa charge the sales tax on parts and labor for planes. “We have seen a lot of business go out of the state and this will help our local aircraft maintenance shops,” Hein says. Bill backers said those job opportunities will spur enrollment at community colleges in Council Bluffs, Ottumwa and Waterloo that offer aircraft maintenance courses, so students can get F-A-A certification. Community colleges in Sioux City and Cedar Rapids plan to start aircraft maintenance programs.

Representative Chris Hall of Sioux City says it will spur more activity at Iowa’s community airports. “The more take-offs and touch-downs that you have from your runway, the better support long-term in federal support you will have for your airport,” Hall said. One lawmaker who runs a global charity says he flew the non-profit’s plane out of state for maintenance, to save money on taxes. According to the Iowa Public Airports Association, at least 34 states do not charge sales taxes on airplane parts and labor.

The Legislative Services Agency estimates Iowans who own planes will save 10 million dollars a year from this tax break, which the governor signed into law yesterday (Tuesday).

(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has approved a law that prohibits state-licensed child care centers, K-through-12 schools and Iowa colleges and universities from having Covid-19 vaccination mandates for enrollment. Democrats in the legislature objected. Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City says there’s a movement to undermine vaccinations. “You’re listening to the extreme voices out there,” Bolkcom said. “We don’t need to make polio great again.”

Republican Senator Jason Schultz of Schleswig says the law gives individuals and parents the right to make their own decisions about Covid-19 shots. “Parents can still vaccinate their children, as they wish, they see fit,” Schultz said. “It’s not for an institution to do it.” The governor signed the bill into law Tuesday. Covid-19 vaccination requirements are now prohibited for enrollment in child care centers, schools and universities until July 1st of 2029. It applies to the state’s community colleges and three state universities as well as every private college in Iowa.