WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 1, 2013 - House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today sent a to President Obama calling on him to immediately sign into law H.R. 527, the Helium Stewardship Act. The House and Senate unanimously approved this legislation last week to reform the Federal helium program and prevent an impending helium shortage.
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Dear Mr. President,
I urge you to immediately sign H.R. 527, the Helium Stewardship Act, and avoid a shutdown of the Federal Helium Reserve, which would cause an immediate world-wide helium shortage. This looming economic disaster has been the subject of ongoing Congressional attention for nearly two years.
Over the last few weeks, the House and Senate worked tirelessly to negotiate a unanimous Congressional compromise on this important legislation prior to the October 1st deadline. If it were not for this Congressional action, the Federal Helium Reserve would have taken steps to shut down today. However, nearly a week has elapsed since Congress passed this legislation without a dissenting vote and sent it to the White House where it is still awaiting your signature.
Now past the original deadline we are working on borrowed time, where additional delay or failure to act continues to threaten workers whose livelihoods depend on a steady supply of reliable, affordable helium. Signing this legislation as soon as possible will provide economic certainty, prevent market disruptions, and protect thousands of American jobs. I look forward to your prompt final action on this important legislation.
Sincerely,
Doc Hastings
Chairman
House Committee on Natural Resources
