Jewelers of America Urges Congress to Strip Pombo's Land Grab

[montana500]

www.wilderness-sportsman.com


"WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Jewelers of America, the nation's largest retail jewelry trade association, sent a letter to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert on Monday night urging him to strip controversial 'mining' provisions from the House budget reconciliation bill. The letter, signed by Jewelers of America President and CEO Matthew A. Runci, expressed grave concern that the mining provisions authored by House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-Calif.) "would result in a massive giveaway of public land giveaway to corporations and private interests."

The House Republican leadership pulled the budget reconciliation bill from the floor last Thursday when it became clear that they did not have the votes to pass it. The House is expected to resume discussions on the bill today with a vote possible this week."