Mineral Resources

H.R. 3967--A Bill to Change How Federal Needs for Refined Helium Are Met Gao ID: T-RCED-94-183 April 19, 1994

H.R. 3967 would change how the federal government's helium needs are met by shifting helium refinement from the Interior Department's Bureau of Mines to the private industry. In addition, the bill would repay the helium program debt. Whether the federal budget will be helped or harmed by this legislation will depend on whether private industry can sell refined helium to the government at a lower price. Revenues from the disposal of the existing helium inventory could also affect the federal budget. The choice between Interior and the private industry to meet federal helium needs is ultimately a public policy decision. GAO believes that H.R. 3967 provides a viable alternative for meeting current and foreseeable federal needs for helium with the potential for budgetary savings and repayment of the helium program debt.



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