[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2018

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                               speech of

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2017

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3354) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior, 
     environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2018, and for other purposes:

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment numbered 
86 to Division C of H.R. 3354 printed in House Report 115-297 to direct 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish 
standards for acceptable levels of pyrrhotite in concrete aggregate, 
and to continue providing technical assistance to those interested in 
pyrrhotite detection, prevention, and mitigation tools.
  Pyrrhotite is a rare natural mineral that has been found in higher 
than normal concentrations in stone aggregate used in concrete poured 
for residential foundations in northern Connecticut and Massachusetts. 
Over time, pyrrhotite oxidizes, expanding within the foundation and 
causing the foundation wall to bow and crack. Severe cracking weakens 
the foundation to the point of collapse over a period of 10-15 years, 
and potentially thousands of homeowners in the region could see their 
homes collapse.
  By establishing standards for pyrrhotite content, NIST could prevent 
a similar problem from occurring in residential buildings in other 
areas. In addition, providing technical assistance to those already 
affected by this problem will help establish best practices for 
mitigation of pyrrhotite-related damage. I look forward to continuing 
to work with the Appropriations Committee and the agency on this 
important issue, and I urge the adoption of my amendment.

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