[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HELIUM STEWARDSHIP ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2013

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, today I am glad to lend my support to 
legislation that will provide for a one-year extension of the Secure 
Rural Schools program. The Secure Rural Schools program provides needed 
funding to counties nationwide, and these payments are critical to 
Oregon's rural timber counties. The funding supports vital public 
services, including emergency personnel, schools, and infrastructure, 
and it represents our commitment that Federal forest policy shouldn't 
drive rural counties into bankruptcy.
  But this is only a one-year extension, and Oregon's rural timber 
counties need long term certainty. Congress must help these counties 
develop a long term solution to their revenue problems, one that 
strikes a balance between increasing timber yields on Federal forest 
land and environmental conservation. This is a difficult process, and 
although we are making progress, counties need relief right away. For 
this reason, I strongly support this one-year extension of the Secure 
Rural Schools program, and will continue to work on a lasting solution 
with my colleagues in the House of Representatives.
  I am also pleased to support the main purpose of this legislation, 
which is to allow for the continued functioning of the Federal Helium 
Reserve. This program supports important work across a broad spectrum 
of industries, from chemistry research in our public universities to 
semiconductor manufacturing done by high-tech firms in Oregon's First 
Congressional District. The House and Senate have reached a noble, 
bipartisan solution to guarantee the uninterrupted supply of this 
critical resource. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

                          ____________________