GE, Siemens Plead with Lawmakers to Preserve Federal Helium Reserve

Helium, the gas behind party favors and high-pitched voices, has become serious business for K Street. Lobbyists for computer-chip manufacturers, medical device makers and the balloon industry are pleading with Congress to continue helium sales from a federal reserve. They say the extension is critical for scientific research and industrial production at a time when helium is in scarce supply.

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