[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. ROBB (for himself and Mr. Warner):
  S. 2584. A bill to provide for the allocation of interest accruing to 
the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


              coal accountability and retired employee act

  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Coal 
Accountability and Retired Employee Act for the 21st Century. This 
legislation would authorize a transfer of interest from the Abandoned 
Mine Reclamation Fund to the United Mine Worker Combined Benefit Fund 
so that we can keep our promise of paying for our retired coal miner's 
health benefits.
  In the 1992 Coal Act, a promise was made to retired coal miners and 
their families that they would have health benefits. In a few short 
months, the available funds for these health benefits will be 
exhausted. We cannot allow this to happen. We made a promise--we must 
keep it.
  Last week, Senator Rockefeller introduced similar legislation to 
authorize a transfer from general revenues to pay for the shortfall in 
the retiree health benefits fund. Senator Rockefeller has been a leader 
on this issue for many years and I strongly support his approach. Last 
year, thanks to the dogged determination of Senator Byrd, we were able 
to postpone the inevitable by getting additional funding. This funding, 
however, will run out in several months. The time has come to make good 
on the promise to the retired coal miners. This legislation will give 
retired coal miners and their families the health benefits they 
deserve.
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