Ed Pastor: “I rise today to applaud and congratulate my good friend, Chairman Rahall for his efforts to bring this legislation to…”

“I rise today to applaud and congratulate my good friend, Chairman Rahall for his efforts to bring this legislation to the House floor. He has worked over many years to reform the mining law and because of his persistence, we have a better chance of finally securing reform than we ever have. Reform is long overdue. I am supporting this legislation, but I wish to continue to work with the chairman and follow the actions of the Senate to make sure final legislation does not inadvertently create a system that makes our domestic industry unable to compete in the world marketplace. Mining has a long and colorful history in the State of Arizona and it provides great benefit to the State's economy. I believe we can have reform and also preserve a healthy industry. I know the chairman shares that objective, and again I applaud him and his staff for making this issue a priority.”