Angie Craig: “in the last Congress, Members in the Senate and our colleagues in the other Chamber worked hard to reform the laws under…”

“in the last Congress, Members in the Senate and our colleagues in the other Chamber worked hard to reform the laws under which the U.S. mining industry operate on the vast Federal lands of the west. Members on both sides of the aisle, from all regions of the country, acknowledged that the mining law of 1872 needed change. While I was disappointed we did not pass legislation in the last Congress to reform mining law, I would have been more disappointed if Congress had accepted some of the reform proposals that were put forward at that time. The reason for my concern was the proposals offered at that time did not meet my primary test of fair legislation. That test is this country's mining industry that annually contributes approximately $53 billion to our economy will not be driven to economic ruin nor to operate only in other countries. Today, I am introducing, a bipartisan bill in conjunction with Chairman Murkowski, Senator Reid and 10 other of my colleagues. The Mining Law Reform Act of 1995, is a bill which will ensure continued mineral production in the United States. It provides for a fair economic return from minerals extracted on public lands, and will link mining practices on Federal lands to State and Federal environmental laws and land-use plans. This bill provides a balanced and equitable solution to concerns raised over the existing mining law. Mining in the United States is an important part of our Nation's economy.”