[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1739-E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FARMINGTON MINE DISASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID B. McKINLEY

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 45th anniversary of 
the explosion at Consolidation Coal's No. 9 Mine in Farmington, WV. We 
remember the 78 miners who

[[Page E1740]]

lost their lives in what is known as the Farmington Mine Disaster.
  On the morning of November 20, 1968 multiple explosions rocked the 
small town of Farmington and the surrounding area. The blasts were felt 
as far as 12 miles away. Ninety-nine men went down in the mine that 
day, and only 21 made it out alive.
  The sacrifice of these miners and their families was not in vain. The 
disaster led to historic safety changes for the mining industry. The 
Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 was signed into law as 
a result and generations of coal miners have benefited from the 
improvements in working conditions.
  Coal and coal mining is in West Virginia's lifeblood. Tens of 
thousands of West Virginians rely on coal to make their livelihood. 
Even today, mining coal is a difficult and often dangerous job. We must 
never forget the important contribution these men and women make to 
America.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st Congressional District of West 
Virginia and the families of these 78 miners, I remember the victims of 
this tragedy and honor the sacrifice they made.

                          ____________________