[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 527, THE RESPONSIBLE HELIUM ADMINISTRATION AND 
                            STEWARDSHIP ACT

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, on April 26, 2013 
the House of Representatives passed H.R. 527--the Responsible Helium 
Administration and Stewardship Act. During that roll call, I 
inadvertently voted against the bill. I rise today in support of H.R. 
527.
  The Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act is a common 
sense plan to sell helium from the Federal Helium Reserve in a 
responsible manner to prevent a global shortage, protect jobs and the 
economy, and ensure a fairer return for taxpayers. This bill provides a 
positive alternative to authorizing a continuation of the current 
program. H.R. 527 prevents an extremely small number of companies from 
controlling a significant segment of the U.S. economy that relies on 
helium.
  The three phase system carefully outlined in this legislation is 
strongly supported by my colleagues and the administration. 
Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has said it can 
implement this legislation without a lengthy rulemaking process. 
Transparency and the prevention of collusion are central components of 
this legislation, allowing all users to know for how much the BLM 
helium is being sold, creating a stable price environment. This 
legislation and the three phase program will ensure that there remains 
a stable, predictable supply of helium for the U.S. economy, as well as 
continuing to provide taxpayers a fair return on this supply of helium.

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