[VIDEO] Congresswoman Lee Questions Defense Sec. Hegseth on Investments for Creech AFB, Critical Minerals, and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

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WASHINGTON – During this week’s Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense (DoD) budget hearing for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) secured commitments from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to invest in American critical mineral companies already investing, hiring, and paying taxes in the U.S. and to support continued funding for operations at Creech Air Force Base.  

Lee raised the alarm on China’s chokehold on critical minerals and asked DoD to commit to investing in American-based companies which process critical minerals, like MP Materials which is headquartered in Las Vegas. 

Lee also questioned Secretary Hegseth on whether and when the Department planned to fully fund the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program at Creech Air Force Base. Creech AFB in Nevada is the center of excellence for our military’s uncrewed aircraft systems.   

Below is a transcript of Congresswoman Lee’s questions and the panel’s answers: 

Rep. Lee – Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to submit to the record an article, from the New York Times entitled, “China's Chokehold on this Obscure Mineral Threatens the West's Military.”  

Chairman – Without objection.  

Rep. Lee – “Mr. Secretary, this article that I just referenced outlines how the Department of Defense paid an Australian firm ten times more than it paid MP Materials, an American firm, to onshore the full ecosystem of rare earth production. 

MP, the largest U.S. rare earth producer, has invested $1 billion of its own capital since 2020 and employs more than 800 Americans. Yet it was undercut by an Australian firm that never even broke ground in the U.S. MP Materials is ready to install their samarium processing equipment and help the U.S. combat China's export controls. And I want to note that China produces the entire world’s supply of this obscure, rare earth metal that is used almost entirely in military applications because of its use in heat resistance magnets. 

So, my question is, in accordance with the Administration's America First agenda, do you agree that subsidies should first support U.S. companies already investing, hiring, and paying taxes in the United States? And can I have your support, in ensuring that the Department’s critical mineral policies will align with this goal?”  

Secretary Hegseth – “Ma'am, it's an excellent question. It's something we have been very focused on. In fact, my deputy secretary, it is a number one is ensuring that sourcing of critical minerals, whether they're heavy or light rare earths, are sourced reliably in America first. Yeah, and if not, then amongst allies. I won't reveal or talk about more than that in a in a setting like this, because we have reserves and we have capabilities, but at the same time we do aggressively work and MP Materials, Mountain Pass, is a great example of a place where we can partner with industry. But what does China do? You know this, China undercuts the market intentionally to try to corner the market, and we have to account for that in the way that in the things that we support.”  

Rep. Lee – “So the answer's yes? I can have your support?” 

Secretary Hegseth – “Yes ma’am.” 

Rep. Lee – “I also want to turn now to the Collaborative Combat Aircraft. I represent Las Vegas, Nevada. So, we're very excited, that the department will base the CCA unit at Creech Air Force Base, which is the center of excellence in uncrewed aircraft systems. And I want to make sure that the department has the resources they need to make this program a success. 

Last year, the Air Force had to shift $383 million to the CCA program, plussing it up by 60%. Can you assure me that your budget request will fully fund the CCA program this year?”  

Secretary Hegseth – “Ma'am, it does fully fund the CCA, and we believe in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the loyal wingman concept, this idea that you project power more robustly through autonomous, semi-autonomous systems that can amplify our lethal effects. So, yes.”  

Rep. Lee – “Can you give me an update on the first flight and the production decision for increment 1. And are we on track for the flight? When will it be? And finally, when do you anticipate the production decision this fiscal year? What quantity of aircraft will we procure? How many vendors will you award and what factors are you considering?” 

Secretary Hegseth – “You're talking about the CCA still, correct? My understanding is later this year on the flight.” 

Rep. Lee – “Know a date?” 

Secretary Hegseth – “I don't know the exact date, ma'am. But, Bryn, you might know.”  

Mrs. Brynn MacDonnell – “Yes, ma'am. We can get back to you on the specific data. It should be this fiscal year. And for our budget request, it's $804 million for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft.”  

Rep. Lee – “Also, can you then outline what is planned for increment 2, what type of capabilities can we expect and what timeline in critical milestones?”  

Secretary Hegseth – “We'll get back to you on that one.” 

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