Why It Matters

ARE Management LLC’s entry into federal lobbying arrives at a critical juncture for U.S. rare earth elements policy. The company is positioning itself to influence billions in federal support and permitting decisions that will shape domestic REE production for the next decade.

The political environment is exceptionally favorable. Congress is advancing the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act, creating production tax credits of $20-30/kg for U.S.-made rare earth magnets, while the Trump administration has directed the Defense Production Act to increase domestic mineral production. The Department of Energy announced $134 million in funding for rare earth supply chains in December 2025.

However, ARE Management enters a crowded field. Established competitors like MP Materials and Energy Fuels have already secured major federal partnerships. The primary battleground centers on permitting reform and favorable positioning within new federal programs.

ARE Management’s lobbying team is strategically constructed. The firm retained Invariant LLC, which represents SpaceX, Palantir, and Apple.

By the Numbers

ARE Management LLC has no prior federal lobbying history. Its engagement with Invariant LLC marks its formal entry into Washington advocacy. Invariant brings substantial experience, having filed over 2,400 lobbying disclosures and reported more than $180 million in fees since 2007.

The four-person lobbying team includes:

  • Maxwell Elliott Whitcomb: 8.5 years of Democratic congressional experience, including roles at House Oversight and Joint Economic committees, plus lobbying work on the Inflation Reduction Act and critical minerals.

  • Jared Robert Soncrant: 7.5 years of Republican congressional experience with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and senators from mining states Wyoming and Colorado.

  • Landon Andrew Stropko: Nearly 17 years of senior Republican congressional experience as Legislative Director for Sen. Mike Enzi and Chief of Staff for Sen. Cynthia Lummis, plus Western Caucus involvement on natural resources.

The Agenda

ARE Management LLC hired Invariant LLC to advocate on "Rare Earth Element mine development," targeting energy and defense policy during intense bipartisan congressional focus on critical minerals supply chains.

Congress is advancing the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025, creating production tax credits of $20-30 per kilogram for U.S.-made magnets. The Critical Minerals Security Act mandates strategic assessments of foreign adversary control over REE resources.

ARE Management faces established competitors like MP Materials Corp, operating the nation’s only active rare earth mine, and Energy Fuels Resources Inc. The primary lobbying battleground will center on permitting reform, federal procurement, and positioning within emerging tax incentive structures.

Broader Context

The U.S. imports 80% of rare earth elements, with China controlling 70% of mining and 90% of processing. When China restricted exports in October 2025, it triggered urgent bipartisan action.

Federal support is flooding the sector. Beyond the Defense Production Act directive and Energy Department funding, MP Materials secured multibillion-dollar Defense Department partnerships, while Energy Fuels is producing heavy rare earth oxides.

The biggest bottleneck remains permitting, with domestic processing capacity requiring a decade or more to build.

Between The Lines

Congressional momentum is accelerating. Recent hearings by House Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and Senate Energy committees signal deep bipartisan consensus.

Key legislation advancing includes the Rare Earth Magnet Security Act (H.R. 1496 / S.1979), Critical Minerals Security Act (S.789), and Mining Schools Act (S.1130 / H.R.2457).

Member engagement reflects urgency: Sen. Jim Risch stated the U.S. "should not depend on China for rare minerals", while Rep. Eric Swalwell called China’s restrictions a "wake-up call".

Competitive Landscape

ARE Management enters against established players. MP Materials dominates with Defense Department contracts and expanding processing capabilities. Energy Fuels now produces heavy rare earth oxides and manufactures EV magnets.

Other active lobbyists include Cove Capital LLC, focusing on critical minerals support. All competitors seek favorable positioning on production tax credits, federal funding, and permitting advantages. Incumbents hold advantages with existing capacity and government relationships.

The Bottom Line

ARE Management LLC enters a favorable but competitive landscape. While Congress advances bipartisan legislation and federal funding flows to secure supply chains, established competitors have secured significant Defense Department partnerships. ARE Management’s success will depend on navigating permitting reform and positioning within emerging federal programs—areas where its team’s Western state ties and defense appropriations experience provide strategic advantages.

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