"Like offshore oil, this is a debate about using American resources to create American jobs and wealth."
"The fact is that in every other country, companies pay a royalty to mine hardrock minerals, but they do not pay such a royalty in the United States of America."
"The legacy is 161,000 abandoned hardrock mines in the West."
"Even in these days of economic crisis, I believe that is still true."
"Finally, we should remember that for some communities the need to change the mining laws right to mine and lack of environmental protections simply cannot afford delay."
"In this time of economic crisis let us not be mislead into letting an outdated boondoggle hang on the books."
"Thank you very much, Chairman Rahall, for your focus, and for your tenacity, and for the expertise that you lend to not only this issue, but all the issues that we deal with in the Natural Resources C..."
"Our economy can't afford to have the federal government keep saying no, no, no to the creation of new energy production jobs."
"Mining law reform has been on the table for some time, but the new Members of the House and Senate need the opportunity to review and consider this issue."
"Let me be clear, the onerous mining law reform proposed by my colleague will not only threaten the domestic viability of large mining companies, it will also hurt the small, independent businessmen an..."
"My fear, after consulting with my constituents, is that the costs imposed by this legislation will put them out of business, which will consequently increase economic problems in my state."
"We all acknowledge that there have been irresponsible practices in the past, but those days are long gone in Nevada."