In Support of H.R. 527, The Responsible Helium Administration and Stewardship Act

Floor Speech

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ 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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