Nick Rahall: “during debate in committee over this legislation, the gentleman from Nevada conducted himself in a manner which I highly…”

“during debate in committee over this legislation, the gentleman from Nevada conducted himself in a manner which I highly commend. He offered amendments that were aimed at addressing the concerns and interests of his State and his district. And, frankly, I recognize he has the most at stake here, representing Nevada, the largest gold-producing State in the Nation. The gentleman offered two amendments. The one he is offering today was one of those amendments. In committee, I could not accept it because we had no discussions on it prior to its appearing as an amendment. But we did offer to continue to work with the gentleman from Nevada, as we have done. And after having some time to consider the subject matter of his amendment, I am going to accept it, and I would urge my colleagues to do likewise. This amendment would allocate 50 percent of the revenues received from the proposed new abandoned hardrock reclamation fund back to the States where those revenues were generated. There is precedent for this arrangement in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund established for coal back in 1977 which so vitally affects my State. The other 50 percent of the revenues would be used by the Federal Government for national priorities. So, in conclusion, I say to the gentleman from Nevada, you are looking out for your State. I appreciate that; I commend you for it.”