[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 14, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   LOST JOBS AT WHITE MESA URANIUM MILL AND THE LA SAL URANIUM MINE 
                                COMPLEX

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah 
(Mr. Curtis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the hardworking 
Utahns in the uranium industry in San Juan County, and especially those 
who have recently lost their jobs at the White Mesa uranium mill and 
the La Sal uranium mine complex.
  Unfortunately, foreign subsidization of uranium production has had a 
devastating impact on North American production and has affected the 
mill's operation; and, as a result, roughly 30 percent of the employees 
had to be let go at our Nation's last operating uranium mill.
  In addition to producing critical minerals, this mill has provided 
families with good incomes and generated tax dollars to help the local 
infrastructure. In fact, this facility is the largest private employer 
in San Juan County.
  Since my election to Congress, I have had the privilege to spend 
significant time in the rural parts of Utah, including San Juan County. 
I appreciate rural Utah's sense of community and desire to help their 
neighbors during a time of need.
  Unlike the more urban parts of Utah with a business hiring on every 
corner, rural areas often have fewer economic opportunities. However, 
the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit among the residents of San 
Juan County make me confident they will be successful in their fight 
through this difficult time and, ultimately, come out stronger for it.
  Additionally, I am committed to creating new economic opportunities 
in rural areas. Rural Utahns deserve the same quality of life that 
their urban friends have, including access to broadband, quality 
medical care, and good-paying jobs. I will continue to work in Congress 
to bring these vital services to rural Utah.
  While it has been a difficult week for many in San Juan County, I 
know the community will be resilient and persevere.

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