Reston will host a two-day federal meeting on critical minerals and rare earth elements this month, as the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology continues a nationwide tour examining America's supply chain vulnerabilities.

The stop is part of the NSCEB's "Biotech Across America" roadshow, led by Executive Director Caitlin Frazer. The roadshow has visited 22 states and engaged more than 400 organizations, according to the commission's June 2026 newsletter. The Reston meetings are set to take place on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22.

These meetings mark the NSCEB's second visit to Virginia, following a November 2025 biomanufacturing event in Manassas that drew biotech industry leaders and state lawmakers.

The commission, a bipartisan legislative-branch advisory body chaired by Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, has called on the federal government to spend at least $15 billion over five years to unlock private capital in the biotech sector and counter China's advances. Young and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, cited industry estimates indicating that China controls more than 60% of the world's mined rare earths and roughly 90% of their processing. The two Senators co-introduced the bipartisan SECURE Minerals Act in January 2026.

"For years, China has leveraged its dominance of critical minerals by manipulating global markets and supply chains," Young said. "Our bill would counter China's ongoing coercion and ensure the United States has a secure and accessible supply of the minerals that power our defense systems and high-tech industries."

The Pentagon underscored that urgency in June 2026, inking $1.2 billion in conditional loans for two rare earth projects through its Office of Strategic Capital.

Reston sits along the Dulles Toll Road corridor, home to a dense cluster of national security contractors including General Dynamics, Leidos, CACI International, SAIC, and Noblis. Two more major firms are relocating headquarters to the area: Booz Allen Hamilton signed a lease for 310,000 square feet at The Row at Reston Station in November 2025, and Amentum leased space at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza in February 2026. Both target 2027 openings.

The NSCEB has not announced a specific venue or whether the Reston event will be open to the public. The commission's July 2026 newsletter lists the meeting under its calendar but does not name speakers or release a full agenda. Residents and businesses seeking details can contact the NSCEB press office at [email protected].