On the recordOctober 22, 2015
I just want to remind us all that America has a plentiful supply of rare earth elements, but there are roadblocks to developing them, such that China produces 97 percent of the world's supply and there are at least 19 unique minerals that the U.S. has zero supply of. So if we continue the current regime of 7 to 10 years to permit a mine project--and that is what will happen if we don't pass this bill-- then we are going to be dependent on other countries and automobile and all kinds of manufacturing will be affected. The 2014 ranking of countries for mining investment, out of the 25 major mining companies, found that the delays that we have in this country are the worst in the world; yet, we have such tremendous resources if we were only to use them. So I think this bill is a good faith and reasonable effort to strike the balance between proper environmental protection by keeping functional equivalence and, yet, producing the minerals that will give us the jobs we need. Mr. Chairman, I urge rejection of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1430 The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell). The question was taken; and the Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
