[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COAL MINERS' BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

  (Mr. McKINLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, the healthcare benefits and pensions for 
120,000 coal miners and their families are in serious jeopardy due to 
bankruptcies and challenges in the coal industry. This issue isn't just 
about a shortfall of funds; it is about people's lives.
  A retired coal miner told me his wife has cancer. He was so afraid of 
losing his healthcare coverage he was nearly in tears. Another retiree 
told me that he needs his pension to take care of his handicapped 
granddaughter. These miners are scared.
  Coal miners helped build this country. They have earned these 
benefits, and they deserve to have the secure retirement they worked so 
hard for. Legislation I have been working on for over 3 years will help 
protect the health care and benefits for these retirees and their 
families. We need to act soon. Time is running out.
  Promises were made, promises made by the Federal Government years 
ago, and those promises need to be kept. Let's get this bill to the 
floor so these families can have peace of mind and know that we care 
about them.

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