[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 130 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10117-H10119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE SACRIFICE AND COURAGE OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLED IN THE
CRANDALL CANYON MINE DISASTER, AND RECOGNIZING THE RESCUE CREWS FOR
THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 631) honoring the sacrifice and courage of the
six missing miners and three rescuers who were killed in the Crandall
Canyon mine disaster in Utah, and recognizing the rescue crews for
their outstanding efforts in the aftermath of the tragedies.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 631
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--
(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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 631 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
(Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her
remarks.)
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is sponsored by
Representative Matheson from Utah where, just last month, six miners
and three rescuers were lost in a mine tragedy at the Crandall Canyon
mines.
Let me begin by expressing the horror and outrage I felt as I, like
millions of other Americans, watched this tragedy unfold last month.
First, six miners, working some 1,500 feet underground, were trapped
when the mine collapsed. And then three rescuers were killed as they
mounted a dangerous operation to rescue their fellow miners. The
operation was so dangerous it was actually called off.
The Crandall Canyon disaster joins the other mine tragedies that have
occurred in the last 2 years. My heart goes out to the families of the
lost miners. My heart goes out to the rescuers who were also killed at
Crandall Canyon.
This tragedy is compounded by the fact that the administration and
the mining industry have not taken the necessary steps to stop them.
There is a background piece on mine safety actually that has been
prepared by the staff of the Education and Labor Committee and is
available on the committee Web site. I really hope that Members will
access this information. The paper actually provides background on the
situation prior to the year 2006, the accidents that year, the
enactment of the MINER Act, and the work of the committee so far this
year. It also includes a summary of the legislation introduced in June
of this year by Chairman Miller, by Chairman Rahall, myself and others
that are particularly relevant to the incident in Crandall Canyon. And
this piece has some initial thoughts on the lessons of Crandall Canyon.
The full committee will be holding a hearing on the Crandall Canyon
incident on October 3. Thereafter, the committee will be holding a
markup on the legislation on which my subcommittee held a legislative
hearing just before the recess. I hope all Members on both sides of the
aisle will join us in our effort to bring the mine safety and health
laws of this country into the 21st century.
But today, we are not here to talk about deficiencies in the laws or
in problems with particular mine operators; rather, we're here to honor
those whose lives were lost in this tragedy, all those who tried
bravely to rescue them, honoring their families and all who lent a
helping hand.
I know Representative Matheson spent hours at the site and with the
families, and I commend him for his hard work and courage.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join both of my
colleagues from Utah, as well as, apparently, the chairman of the
Natural Resources Committee in expressing our profound sympathies for
the Utah families who lost their loved ones at the Crandall Canyon
mine. I'm not a miner, but I have been told that unless one has been a
miner, it's impossible to understand the profession, the mindset and
the courage that is displayed by those who work daily under dangerous
conditions so that the rest of us can live in an element of comfort.
Today, this body honors six competent, courageous men who labored to
[[Page H10118]]
provide a better future for their families and all of us.
On August 6, the Crandall Canyon mine experienced a shift in the
Earth that registered a 4 on the Richter scale at the nearby University
of Utah. This left almost 2,000 feet of debris between the working area
of the mine and the last known location of these miners. Kerry Allred,
Don Erickson, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips and Manuel
Sanchez were lost in this catastrophe.
In addition, three very courageous heroes sacrificed their lives to
rescue their fellow miners. Only miners fully understand this
commitment to those they consider brothers. Dale Black, Brandon Kimber,
Gary Jensen, miners and a mine safety official lost their lives during
this rescue effort. We cannot also forget the five other miners and the
Mine Safety and Health Administration officials who were injured in
this effort.
Dozens of miners and officials put their life at risk by entering
this mine to try and find and recover their colleagues, and over a
period of 4 weeks the rescue efforts tried to reach these men through
the working section of the mine, as well as horizontally, with seven
bore holes drilled in a vain attempt to find the trapped miners. This
self-sacrifice has been demonstrated throughout mining history.
I have the firm belief that this life is not finite, and we shall all
be reunited again; that these noble men who lost their lives will be
reunited with their loved ones in the future. And though the separation
may be short, it is extremely difficult for those left behind to bear
that separation.
I applaud our colleague, Congressman Matheson, for introducing this
resolution, one which deals with the sympathy for those who were
involved in this particular effort and as an effort to try and comfort
them at this particular time.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to yield as much time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson).
Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. And
I would like to recognize and thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member
McKeon of the House Education and Labor Committee for their support of
this resolution and enabling us to move it to the floor so quickly. I'd
also very much like to thank both of my colleagues from Utah, Mr.
Bishop and Mr. Cannon, who are here on the floor today also in support
of this resolution. And I'd like to acknowledge the chairman of the
Natural Resources Committee, who is here also to speak on this
resolution today.
I rise today to honor the sacrifice and the courage of six missing
miners and the three rescuers who died in a mine disaster at the
Crandall Canyon coal mine in Huntington, Utah just a few weeks ago. It
was in the early hours of August 6, the six miners were trapped when
rocks and debris exploded off the walls of the tunnel where they were
working more than 1,800 feet underground. And the cave-in created a
ground shock that measured 3.9 on the Richter scale at the University
of Utah's seismographic center. Very quickly, rescue crews assembled in
an effort to locate and reach the six men, but, to date, Kerry Allred,
Don Erickson, Juan Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips, Manuel Sanchez and
Jose Luis Hernandez are still missing.
Ground movement, what miners calls bumps or bounces, continued at the
mine. During the rescue attempt further disaster struck. Three rescue
miners, Gary Jensen, Brandon Kimber, and Dale ``Bird'' Black were
killed when once again underground activity caused a burst of rubble to
explode off the cavern walls. Rescuers had to literally dig with their
hands to get their colleagues out from beneath piles of coal and rocks.
Their efforts saved another six rescuers who were injured but are
thankfully recovering.
Throughout this catastrophe the local community has remained
steadfast. The Emery County Sheriff, his deputies and other first
responders worked round the clock to maintain order as private, State
and Federal teams maintained the search effort.
Community leaders and the families of these mining towns in Emery and
Carbon Counties came together to support the trapped miners' families,
the rescuers and the emergency crews. They did what they have always
done in coal country during hard times; they held each other close,
they hoped, and they prayed.
Today the House honors the missing and the dead. We extend
condolences of our Nation to their families. We recognize the many
volunteers who rushed to their aid and who provided endless hours of
compassionate support.
And finally, we honor the proud heritage of coal mining families.
Their skill, their hard work and their dedication contributes to the
prosperity and quality of life that each and every one of us enjoys.
Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield to the
senior member of our delegation to, once again, signify and symbolize
the unity that the entire State feels as we face this disaster. I yield
as much time as he may consume to Mr. Cannon of Utah.
Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank first of all my colleague,
Rob Bishop, for yielding me time and my colleague, Jim Matheson, for
bringing this resolution before us. We appreciate his introduction.
This is an area that he represents. It is an area that I have
represented in the past. It's an area which I expect to represent in
the future if we get the fourth, if the Senate will act on giving a
vote to the District of Columbia and a fourth seat to the State of
Utah.
I rise in support of this resolution and in support of the thousands
of miners throughout Utah and the rest of the United States and
throughout the world who undertake this difficult and dangerous work.
After weeks of watching demonstrations, videos and explanations of
the process, no American can doubt the courage and dedication of these
brave men and women who work in darkness so that the rest of us can
work with light.
John Wayne defined courage the way a miner would define it. ``Courage
is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.'' The miners of Utah
saddle up every day, and they deserve our thanks.
Miners Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Juan Carlos Payan, Brandon
Phillips, Manuel Sanchez and Jose Luis Hernandez all ``saddled up'' in
the best traditions of Utah and make us proud.
{time} 1515
The tragedy on August 6 is indelibly imprinted on the hearts and
minds of all Utahns. But as it always has in times of need, America's
best responded. The rescue effort spared no expense and left no stone
unturned in trying to reach the six sons of Utah trapped below. In the
process three rescuers lost their lives and more were injured.
Americans should take heart to know that we have such men as Gary
Jensen, Brandon Kimber, and Dale ``Bird'' Black who would risk their
lives for others. The Bible tells us that greater love hath no man than
this, that he lay down his life for another. Imagine the love,
dedication, and courage it takes to lay down one's life for a friend or
stranger.
In moments such as these, politicians tend to try to do too much and
accomplish too little. While there will be time to decide what, if
anything, we need to do to ensure that such tragedies as these can be
averted, now is the time for elected representatives for the people to
thank those involved on behalf of the people.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ``The true test of civilization is not the
census, nor the size of cities, nor the crops, no, but the kind of man
the country turns out.'' Utah and America turn out the best, and for
that we thank their families, our communities, and Almighty God.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).
Mr. RAHALL. I thank my colleague from California (Ms. Woolsey) for
yielding and for bringing this resolution to the floor.
I also can sympathize and empathize with what my colleagues Mr.
Matheson and Mr. Bishop and Mr. Cannon have said and the experience
through which they have been the last month or longer.
[[Page H10119]]
Mr. Speaker, coal mining is a dangerous occupation. Many of these
individuals, these brave, courageous individuals that work in coal
fields across our Nation and especially those in the Appalachian coal
fields that I have the honor of representing will go to work before the
sun comes up. They will not see their loved ones again until after the
sun has gone down. They will do this for 5, 6, even 7 days a week,
never seeing the light of day so that our Nation, as the gentleman from
Utah (Mr. Cannon) has said, will be able to have light, so that those
in the big cities who automatically turn on their air conditioning and
their lights every morning can reflect on from where that power comes.
We in West Virginia have known our share of tragedies, and it is
unfortunate that when we look back over the history of our mine safety
laws in this Nation that it has taken a tragedy for the Congress to
act. It is unfortunate that every mine safety and health law on the
books today is written with the blood of our Nation's coal miners.
Congress has responded. We did respond, as has been referred to
already, in passing the MINER Act after the West Virginia disasters of
Sago and Aracoma in my district, and I hope that we will respond again.
The gentlewoman from California has referred to the mine safety
legislation introduced by the chairman of the Education and Labor
Committee, Mr. Miller, and myself and several other Members of Congress
in a bipartisan fashion. This builds upon the MINER Act that this
Congress passed and, yes, President Bush signed into law. While I agree
we do not know the causes of this latest disaster and we know a little
more about the causes of the West Virginia disasters over a year ago,
it is important that we take a look at those responsible for enforcing
our mine safety laws in this country, those at MSHA, currently serving
under a recess appointment director. And it is important that we beef
up that agency, that we do all we can within this Congress's power to
give them the morale, the authority, and the knowledge that they must
enforce our mine safety laws without fears of retribution, that there
cannot be the cozy relationships that perhaps have existed in the past
between those who inspect our mines and those who operate our mines.
That relationship, if it has existed, must no longer exist.
But that is getting into what comes down the pipe later on. What we
are here today to do is to praise those miners that lost their lives,
all of our Nation's coal miners, in fact, and to pray for their
families. We also especially recognize those three brave individuals
that went into the bowels of this Earth to try to rescue and find their
friends and their fellow workers and lost their lives in the process of
trying to save other lives, those mine rescuers. That tragedy was most
unfortunate and only made the original tragedy that much worse.
So I join with my colleagues in offering our prayers, in offering our
sympathies to the families of the lost miners as well as the rescuers
because myself, having spent time with coal miners' families while they
wait word from below as to the fate of their loved ones, it is a cruel
experience that no individual should have to experience. But,
unfortunately, unless the Congress acts and even when we do act, it may
yet occur again because mining is a dangerous occupation.
Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as
he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of
House Resolution 631 and to honor the memories of the miners who lost
their lives in the Crandall Canyon mine accident. Our thoughts and
prayers are with the miners' families and with those miners and the
Mine Safety Health Administration personnel killed as well as those
injured in subsequent rescue operations.
The Committee on Education and Labor has announced an investigatory
hearing for October 3 to begin examining the circumstances surrounding
the Crandall Canyon mining accident, including the response to the
accident by the Mine Safety Health Administration and other
stakeholders. Only then will we be able to determine what steps
Congress should take in the aftermath of the Crandall Canyon tragedy to
further ensure the safety of our Nation's miners.
As a former member of the South Carolina Mining Council, I plan to
continue to track this issue closely. I am committed to maintaining the
openness and integrity of this process so that the issue of miner
protection receives the fair and comprehensive consideration it
deserves.
Coal miners have a very dangerous job, and it is our role to ensure
that the conditions in which they work are as safe as possible. We
renew our commitment to examining our Nation's mining laws to ensure
they are protective for the changing mining environment.
Last year, in the wake of the Sago and other mine disasters, Congress
worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass the MINER Act. That legislation
took significant steps to improve mining safety. It requires the Mine
Safety Health Administration to revise its penalties, increase
penalties for major violations to $220,000, undertake several studies
regarding mining practices, and to work to improve the technology for
communications underground.
No law passed by Congress can console the families of those who have
lost loved ones as a result of this tragedy. In the coming months, we
will thoroughly review what happened at Crandall Canyon and what steps
may be considered to prevent it from happening again. But today we are
here to mourn the tragic loss of life at that mine in Utah and pay our
respects to the families of these brave miners.
Kerry Allred, Dale Black, Don Erickson, Gary Jensen, Luis Hernandez,
Brandon Kimber, Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips, and Manuel Sanchez. We
honor these men today, express our condolences to their families, and
recognize the important work of the rescuers who volunteered to enter
the mine to try to rescue their fellow miners.
I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, though the structure of these
resolutions require a Republican and Democrat both to present
legislation, on this day when we deal with an issue of comfort, not on
politics, this day we are all united as we honor these miners who were
trapped and those who worked to find these men. We grieve with their
families in our hearts, our prayers, our thoughts. The memory of these
nine men will not diminish, and I urge all my colleagues to join with
Mr. Matheson, Mr. Cannon, and myself in supporting this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 631.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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