[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1977, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                       HON. BARBARA-ROSE COLLINS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 1995

  Miss COLLINS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, we must recognize mining 
subsidies for what they are--corporate welfare. In light of the several 
extremist appropriation bills put before this Congress, cutting back 
essential programs that improve the quality of life for all Americans; 
we cannot spend another tax dollar to give big businesses a free ride. 
This Congress cannot with a clear conscience, stop assisting mothers 
with buying milk for their infants; while at the same time giving away 
more than $15 billion worth of publicly owned minerals. How can we 
claim not to find the funds to protect elderly citizens from going into 
complete poverty because of out of pocket medical expenses, yet we can 
give away precious minerals at bargain basement prices?
  To eliminate programs that meet human needs and that provide tangible 
results, under the guise of conserving Government funds, without 
terminating wasteful programs such as mining subsidies, is 
hypocritical. This is yet another example of the butchery of social and 
environmental progress, while corporate welfare is being spared the 
budget ax. To allow this hypocrisy is not only fiscally irresponsible, 
it is unforgivable. The American voters will not forget.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.