[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 13, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H5372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE VALUE AND NECESSITY OF A STRONG MINING INDUSTRY IN AMERICA

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, over the next few weeks I will be bringing 
to our colleagues and the Chair's attention the value and necessity of 
a strong mining industry in our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, nearly everything we eat, touch, wear, use, or even live 
in is made possible by the mining industry. Minerals comprise the basic 
necessities of life. Mineral-based fertilizers make possible the food 
we eat and the natural fibers in our clothes. From the concrete 
foundation, to the wallboard, pipes, and wiring, all the way up to the 
shingles on the roof, the construction industry utilizes minerals for 
building our homes.
  Mr. Speaker, minerals, made possible through the mining industry, are 
essential for agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. The United 
States is one of the world's leaders in the production of important 
metals and minerals, and it is imperative that we maintain a strong 
mining industry, and remain competitive with other nations for scarce 
investment of capital.
  Many investors have already left the United States for Latin America 
and Asia, where they are not faced with endless delays regarding 
Federal proposals, permits, expensive fees, and all sorts of other 
bureaucratic red tape.
  Mr. Speaker, it is in our Nation's best interests to keep our mining 
industry strong.

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