IV 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1236 In the House of Representatives, U. S., April 14, 2010 RESOLUTION Honoring the coal miners who perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh County, West Virginia, extending condolences to their families and recognizing the valiant efforts of emergency response workers at the mine disaster.

Whereas coal mining is a time-honored profession and miners and their families have shaped the history and rich culture of West Virginia and the Nation; Whereas the Nation is greatly indebted to coal miners for the difficult and dangerous work they perform to provide the fuel needed to keep the Nation strong and secure; Whereas the Nation has long recognized the importance of health and safety protections for miners who labor in extreme and dangerous conditions; Whereas accidents in the Nation’s mines have again and again taken the lives of coal miners; Whereas 29 West Virginia miners tragically perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South following an explosion on April 5, 2010; Whereas this was the worst coal mining disaster in the Nation over the last 40 years; Whereas Federal, State, and local rescue crews worked tirelessly night and day in courageous rescue and recovery efforts; Whereas the families of the fallen miners have suffered immeasurable loss; and Whereas residents of Raleigh County and throughout West Virginia came together to support the miners’ families: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by the 29 coal miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine-South, Raleigh County, West Virginia; (2)extends the deepest condolences of the Nation to the families of these men; (3)recognizes all coal miners for enduring the loss of their coworkers and maintaining courage throughout this ordeal; (4)commends the rescue crews for their valiant efforts to find these miners; and (5)honors the many volunteers who provided support and comfort for the miners’ families during the rescue and recovery operations.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.