[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BURNS (for himself, Mr. Baucus, and Mr. Campbell):
  S. 2225. A bill to authorize an exchange of mineral rights by the 
Secretary of the Interior in the State of Montana; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce today the 
Montana Mineral Exchange Act with Senators Burns and Campbell.
  This bill will enable the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and eastern Montana 
to create jobs and provide a shot in the arm for a local economy that 
has been creative in forging its own destiny.
  The Montana Mineral Exchange Act is the result of years of working 
together. President Geri Small has been a true advocate for the 
Northern Cheyenne Tribe as she has worked tirelessly on this project 
for years.
  The Montana Mineral Exchange Act is a positive step forward in 
creating good-paying jobs and boosting economic development in Montana. 
This shows what Montana can do when we--the congressional delegation, 
the governor's office, the private sector, and the Northern Cheyenne--
work together to develop our resources while creating jobs and 
protecting our quality of life. Development of this high-quality coal 
will allow Montana to move forward economically and compete with other 
energy producing states for jobs and market share. I'm glad I could 
work together with Governor Martz, Senator Burns, Congressman Rehberg, 
Senator Campbell and all of the parties involved to make this bill 
happen.
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