[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 631 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     September 5, 2007.
Whereas on August 6, 2007, six miners, Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Juan Carlos 
        Payan, Brandon Phillips, Manuel Sanchez, and Jose Luis Hernandez, were 
        trapped 1,800 feet below ground in the Crandall Canyon mine in Utah;
Whereas Federal, State, and local rescue crews worked relentlessly in an attempt 
        to locate and rescue the trapped miners;
Whereas three rescuers, Gary Jensen, Brandon Kimber, and Dale ``Bird'' Black 
        lost their lives during the rescue attempt;
Whereas the loss of the miners has had a tremendous effect on the local 
        community;
Whereas the emergency efforts coordinated by the Emery County Sheriff's 
        Department have been exemplary;
Whereas Utah is one of the largest coal producing States in the Nation, 
        producing over 21 million tons of coal in 2005;
Whereas coal continues to be the economic engine for many communities;
Whereas during the last century over 100,000 coal miners have been killed in 
        mining accidents in the Nation's coal mines;
Whereas the Nation is greatly indebted to coal miners for the difficult and 
        dangerous work they perform to provide the fuel needed to operate the 
        Nation's industries and to provide energy to homes and businesses; and
Whereas many residents of Emery County and Carbon County, Utah, and the 
        surrounding areas, came together to support the miners' families and the 
        community has been steadfast in its efforts to help the families of the 
        missing and deceased: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Juan Carlos Payan, 
        Brandon Phillips, Manuel Sanchez, Jose Luis Hernandez, Gary Jensen, 
        Brandon Kimber, and Dale ``Bird'' Black for their sacrifice in the 
        Crandall Canyon, Utah coal mine;
            (2) extends the deepest condolences of the Nation to the families of 
        these men;
            (3) recognizes the many volunteers who participated in the rescue 
        efforts and provided support for the miners' families during the rescue 
        operations; and
            (4) honors the long national heritage of coal mining families and 
        supports the tradition for the future.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.