Vernon Ehlers: “I am rising as a scientist to speak about the importance of helium in scientific research. I find that most Americans…”

“I am rising as a scientist to speak about the importance of helium in scientific research. I find that most Americans believe that it is simply used to fill balloons to be distributed at parties or other festivities. I want to point out it is extremely important that we maintain a reserve of helium for use in scientific research. It is the only element that can be used to come close to absolute zero in low temperature work. It has some amazing superfluid properties which are still being uncovered, and, all and all, it is a vital component of our research program in the United States. I do not rise to oppose the bill. I simply want to state my main objective here is to ensure that we continue to have an adequate supply of helium for the future, particularly so that our children and grandchildren will be able to carry on this important research. I believe this bill has sufficient provisions to ensure that the reserve will be maintained in some fashion, but I want to assure the entire Congress that it is very important we keep an eye on this in the future and continue to maintain a reserve, whether it be in private hands or Federal hands.”