[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE KOSOVO EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address last 
night's vote on the so-called ``emergency'' supplemental appropriations 
bill, H.R. 1141.
  As a member of the budget committee, and concerned member of this 
body, I am appalled not only at the amount of pork crammed into the 
bill, but especially by the anti-environmental riders placed on the 
bill.
  One of these riders is specifically targeted at helping the mining 
industry and will delay strengthening of regulations that would 
safeguard against mining companies walking away from the cleanup costs 
associated with mining.
  Yet another special interest rider prevents the Minerals Management 
Service from issuing rules on the value of crude oil.
  This will allow major oil companies to underpay royalties from 
drilling on public lands--estimated to cost taxpayers between $66 to 
$100 million per year.
  Yet another rider would weaken the already egregious 1872 mining law, 
allowing a previously denied waiver for the development of the ``Crown 
Jewel'' mine in my neighboring state of Washington.
  For these reasons, I encourage the President to veto this 
environmentally destructive bill, sending a message to this body and 
the American people that our precious natural resources will not take a 
back seat to pork and special interests groups.

                          ____________________