Dan Kildee: “I thank my friend, Mr. Grijalva, for his leadership and for yielding the time. I rise in strong opposition to this bill.…”

“I thank my friend, Mr. Grijalva, for his leadership and for yielding the time. I rise in strong opposition to this bill. I have consulted with many Native American tribes, including the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, which I represent. This bill simply does not rise to the standard that allows me to support it. I have talked to the tribes. Their concern is that this bill does not adequately support the protection of sacred lands, nor does it adequately confer with Native Americans on these critical issues. The gentleman mentioned that the two cosponsors of this legislation have set aside their differences. I have great respect for both Members that offer this legislation. It is commendable that they have set aside their differences. Unfortunately, what this bill does is also set aside the objections of the Native American tribes of this Nation--of this country--who object to the bill. It's bad for a couple of reasons: First, it waives NEPA protections that require mining companies to publicly disclose the environmental impacts they will create, including on our water resources. Second, basically this bill provides a multibillion dollar giveaway to a foreign mining conglomerate that is engaged in mining uranium in Iran. Third, this bill would potentially destroy sacred and religious lands. I know something firsthand about the importance of preserving sacred tribal sites.…”