NATIONAL STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MINERALS PRODUCTION ACT OF 2015

Floor Speech

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Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair, today we are debating yet another
Republican bill restricting access to the courts to only those with
deep pockets. H.R. 1937 continues the alarming trend of Republican-
sponsored legislation that proposes to limit the average American's
access to the courts so businesses that line the pockets of these
politicians with campaign contributions can continue to profit.

Misleadingly disguised as a bill stimulating the increased production
of strategic minerals, this legislation is actually about shielding the
mining industry's poor environmental practices from accountability to
victims while simultaneously disenfranchising mining-impacted
communities.

H.R. 1937 allows regulators to exempt mining projects from the Equal
Access to Justice Act, EAJA. The EAJA allows average Americans access
to legal representation to protect their communities. Without EAJA,
impacted communities cannot afford lawyers, much less the litany of
scientific and technical experts needed to mount a serious challenge to
a multinational mining company. This exemption cripples the ability of
those concerned with environmental protection to seek representation
and redress in the courts.

For that reason, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill and
preserve justice for all.

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