[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 5501-5506]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING COAL MINERS FROM UPPER BIG BRANCH MINE IN WEST VIRGINIA

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1236) 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.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1236

       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
       Resolved, 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.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentlewoman from Washington 
(Mrs. McMorris Rodgers) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative 
days during which Members may revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on House Resolution 1236 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. At this time, I yield 7 minutes to 
the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).
  Mr. RAHALL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman George Miller.
  Mr. Speaker, last week, on Monday, April 5, an explosion tore through 
the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh, West Virginia, taking the lives 
of 29 good, hardworking men. It was the repeat of a recurring nightmare 
that has haunted the coalfields of our Nation for generations, and it 
is a tragedy that never should have occurred.
  Immediately upon receiving news of the explosion at the Upper Big 
Branch Mine, I rushed to the scene to be with the families. For me, it 
was, unfortunately, not an unfamiliar circumstance. I have spent too 
many anxious hours within the aftermath of mine accidents in the midst 
of family and friends, of coworkers and survivors, awaiting word. The 
watching, hoping and praying for survivors to emerge from the darkness 
into the arms of their loved ones is a heart-wrenching exercise, but 
being surrounded by such warmth and love, generosity and faith is 
heartwarming at the same time.
  The people of coal mining communities, in particular those of 
southern West Virginia, are a special breed. Generations of these 
families go into our mines. For so many of these miners, it is not a 
job; it is a calling. They live with the knowledge that there is risk, 
but they are proud to take that risk to labor in the company of good 
and loyal friends, to earn an honest paycheck in order to provide for 
their families and for themselves.
  The miners at Upper Big Branch were just such men. Like coal miners 
throughout the ages, they did difficult work in dangerous 
circumstances. They labored underground in cramped conditions in the 
damp and the dark, but outside the mines, their lives were full of 
light and love and joy. They had wives and children and grandchildren. 
They hunted, pranked and laughed together, and they experienced many 
warm memories and gentle sorrows. While most Americans can scarcely 
imagine what a coal miner's day at work is really like or will never 
really understand our coal miners, we certainly appreciate what their 
labors have meant in our daily lives.
  The toil of these coal miners, of all coal miners, has fueled our 
Nation's economic engine, ensuring our military security by providing 
coal not just to the generation of power but as an essential element in 
the steelmaking process. All coal miners are deserving of our gratitude 
and of our renewed commitment to ensure that such tragedies never occur 
again.
  Countless individuals can be thanked for their help during this 
disaster. I thank our Governor, Joe Manchin, III, for his leadership; 
both of our U.S. Senators, Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd; our 
Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, who twice visited us during this week; 
her assistant secretary for Mine Safety and Health Administration, Joe 
Main, there every day and night; Ron Wooten, our West Virginia division 
Mine Safety and Health training director; Jimmy Gianato, director of 
our West Virginia Homeland Security. Both of these individuals were 
there every day and night, 24/7, for an entire week. I thank our West 
Virginia head coach, Bobby Huggins, for his uplifting visit to the 
families.
  By all accounts, the explosion that took the lives of these 29 miners 
should never have happened in this time, in this modern era.
  To quote the Mine Safety and Health Administration's administrator 
for coal mine safety and health, Kevin Stricklin, who fought every 
hour, 24 hours a day, to help find our coal miners, ``All explosions 
are preventable. It's just making sure you have things in place to keep 
one from occurring. It's quite evident that something went very wrong 
here.''

                              {time}  1330

  There are multiple layers of laws and regulations in place to prevent 
such a disaster. There are modern technologies. There were repeated, 
persistent inspections. And yet 29 men perished and one is hanging on 
in the hospital. That this deadly explosion occurred is infuriatingly, 
frustratingly heartbreaking, and I am determined that we will get to 
the bottom of it and ensure that steps are taken to prevent a 
recurrence of this type of explosion. We owe it to the miners who 
perished in Raleigh County last week. We owe it

[[Page 5502]]

to their families. We owe it to their coworkers.
  So many strong and tough West Virginians came together to pray and to 
help these families. Our West Virginia State Police stood by every 
family's side to help in any way they could. The American Red Cross, 
Billy Graham's Crusade, family members of previous mine disaster 
victims, and most importantly, our ministers, our pastors, our West 
Virginia Council of Churches, all who came from all over our great 
State to counsel, to cry, and to call upon God, who above all else will 
guide these families through this healing process.
  With that inner strength that comes to the West Virginia people, we 
will get through this tragedy together. We will hold accountable those 
who failed our miners, so help me God.
  Today the House of Representatives honors the 29 miners lost in 
Raleigh County last week. We express the condolences of our Nation to 
their families, and we recognize above all the valiant efforts of the 
rescue workers, those who placed their lives on the line to save other 
lives, who answered the call the other day. Our first responders, our 
paramedics, our law enforcement personnel all came together.
  May the Good Lord keep our lost miners, may He care for their 
families, and bless those rescue personnel who risked their own lives 
in service to others. And may He watch over each and every coal miner 
who continues to work and continues to walk in the wake of risk in 
service to our Nation.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Every day thousands of men and women go to work in coal mines to 
bring electricity to our homes to make our lives easier, more 
comfortable. The working conditions for these miners are anything but 
comfortable or easy. I rise today to honor their work, and sadly, the 
sacrifice of 29 men last Monday in the Upper Big Branch Mine.
  This resolution offers our condolences to these miners' families as 
well as the Nation mourns with them. It is also a time to pledge that 
we will work with the Federal agencies tasked to investigate this 
accident, determine the cause, and take the appropriate actions.
  On Monday, April 5, we watched as mine rescue teams and mine safety 
officials descended on Whitesville, West Virginia, to go into the Upper 
Big Branch Mine. The frustration was apparent as rescue teams attempted 
to reach refuge chambers that night, but were unable to proceed far 
enough into the mine because of the dangerous levels of gases. Mourning 
began for seven families who knew immediately that their loved ones 
were killed by the blast. And then the agonizing waiting began.
  For a week, families waited for news of those who might have made it 
to safety and those who had not. Four missing miners had the slightest 
hope that they were safely barricaded in a chamber. The miracle that we 
hoped for did not happen.
  We cannot, however, forget the tireless efforts of the mine rescue 
teams and the government officials who worked around the clock to reach 
those trapped. Mine rescue teams volunteer their time to train for the 
unthinkable, to put themselves in harm's way. The burden of recovery 
falls on these miners as they try to bring closure to the families by 
bringing their loved ones home one more time. We honor their courage in 
these very trying circumstances.
  I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on House Resolution 1236, 
mourning the loss of miners in the Upper Big Branch Mine, and honoring 
those participating in the rescue and the recovery operations.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan).
  Mr. MOLLOHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding, and I thank him also for his leadership on mine safety and 
workplace safety.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the sponsor of this 
resolution, my colleague from West Virginia's Third Congressional 
District, Nick Rahall. Coal miners and the coal industry have no 
greater champion than the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, 
Chairman Rahall.
  Mr. Speaker, tragedy has visited West Virginia's coal mines again. It 
is a visitor our State knows all too well. The names of the communities 
change with each visit, and the years do as well. Monongah in 1907, 
Dola in 1963, Farmington in 1968, Sago in 2006, and now Raleigh County, 
April 2010. The names change, Mr. Speaker, but the grief and the 
sorrow, they stay exactly the same. The mother who lost her son last 
week is united with the sister who lost her brother in 1968 and the 
daughter who lost her father in 1907.
  Mr. Speaker, shy of 2 million people live in my State. Maybe one in 
90 earns a living as a coal miner in the coal fields. Most West 
Virginias have never been underground, and most never will be. But 
every one of us lives with the knowledge and the full appreciation of 
what can go wrong whenever a new shift of miners goes underground. Coal 
mining is not just my State's most important industry, it is central to 
our culture and our social identity. When tragedy visits one of our 
communities, it visits our entire State. It brings us together. It 
reminds us in sometimes a difficult life we can always look to that 
larger community for support.
  We saw those bonds in the rescue crews last week battling fatigue and 
risking their lives. We see those bonds in the volunteers on-site in 
Raleigh County today. And we see those bonds in the churches and the 
union halls and the schools throughout the State, wherever West 
Virginians come together.
  There is hard work ahead of us and there is pragmatic work ahead of 
us. The engineers and the experts, they will come and they will analyze 
what went wrong in Raleigh County last week. This Congress will debate 
what went wrong last week. We will assign responsibility. And we will 
consider what actions are necessary to make the hard work of taking 
coal from the ground less dangerous, to do all that is possible to 
prevent such future tragedies. That will be the most lasting 
testimonial we can offer those who lost their lives in Raleigh County.
  But today we acknowledge their loss, we thank those who tried to save 
them, we offer our deepest condolences to the miners' families, and we 
come together again in support of our community.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), the ranking member 
of the Education and Labor Committee.
  Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues to honor the memory of 
the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch Mine, and to 
express our gratitude to the rescue teams who bravely pursued a tragic 
recovery mission. The Nation watched in collective apprehension last 
week as mine rescue teams rushed from the coal fields of Appalachia to 
the small town of Whitesville to help their own. For a week we all 
clung to the hope that four missing miners might have found refuge. It 
was not to be.
  Over the weekend, the mine rescue teams performed a more solemn duty, 
bringing these men out of the mine one final time. Under the best 
conditions mining is dangerous work. After an explosion the mines are 
even more treacherous. Mine rescue teams undertake rigorous training 
and exercise valiant resolve. Today we recognize their bravery in the 
face of danger and tragedy. H. Res. 1236 honors their commitment to 
service.
  Chairman Miller has announced our intention to investigate this 
tragedy and seek answers on behalf of the families and the entire 
mining community. Our focus must be to determine what caused this 
devastating loss so we can prevent it from ever happening again.
  The cameras have gone elsewhere and this tragedy has faded from the 
hourly broadcasts. For the families, however, the devastation of the 
Upper Big Branch Mine will never disappear. With this resolution we 
offer our condolences, we honor their loved ones, and we pledge our 
commitment to get to the bottom of this.

[[Page 5503]]


  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 
minutes.
  As my colleagues have recounted, on Monday, April 5, an explosion 
rocked the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, 
killing 29 miners and injuring others. This was the worst mine disaster 
in the United States in almost four decades. For over two centuries, 
millions of West Virginians' livelihoods have depended on extracting 
the State's richest coal deposits.
  Coal has left an indelible mark on the communities throughout West 
Virginia and Appalachia. For many of these communities, the mine may be 
the only way to earn a decent living. These miners are proud of their 
work and their contribution to the American economy. Coal is in their 
blood, it is in their tradition, and it is their career.
  But we also know that underground mining is one of the most dangerous 
jobs in the world. Every day miners show up for their shift knowing 
that there is a chance that they may not return to their families, yet 
they show up every day. At 3:30 p.m., during the shift change, a 
massive explosion ripped through the Upper Big Branch Mine and took the 
lives of 29 miners and sent others to the hospital. While the cause of 
this tragedy is still under investigation, today we memorialize those 
29 miners who perished.
  Our Nation sends our deepest condolences to those who have suffered 
this terrible loss. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to families who 
have lost a husband, a father, a brother, a son, or more. Those 
thoughts are with you and your communities in your suffering these 
devastating losses. These losses will remain long after the headlines 
fade from national attention.
  Today we also recognize the valiant efforts of the many rescue teams, 
who in many cases traveled long distances and risked their lives in 
hopes of saving their fellow miners. Many rescuers had to evacuate the 
mine at least four times as a result of explosive levels of methane 
gas. These brave men and women, who worked around the clock day after 
day, have the appreciation of this Congress and this Nation for their 
selfless efforts.
  I would also like to recognize Congressman Nick Rahall, who grew up 
in Beckley, West Virginia, only a few miles south of the mine. 
Congressman Rahall sponsored this resolution and provided the much-
needed rock of support for his constituents during this disaster. 
Reports have come back to me of his consoling and listening to 
families, neighbors, and friends in his community. I know how much 
these families appreciate his support and those efforts.
  Over the last few years I have met many families who have suffered 
similar tragic losses in mining disasters. And what I have learned is 
that the impacts of these disasters far range what we see in the 
general society because of the history of these communities, the 
culture of these communities, the work ethic in these communities. 
These tragedies spread across in an indelible way with the loss of a 
single miner.
  In the face of these overwhelming tragedies, these families are 
showing incredible strength and determination. I made a promise to the 
families of Sago, to Aracoma Alma, to Darby, to Crandall Canyon that we 
would do everything in our power to uncover the cause of these 
tragedies and do everything possible to prevent other miners from 
suffering these similar fates. I want to extend that same promise to 
these families of Upper Big Branch Mine and to the miners in the 
community, that we will continue that promise and to get to the bottom 
of this tragic incident.
  They paid the ultimate price in doing the job our Nation depends 
upon. Every miner who goes to work every day must be able to return 
home safely to their families at the end of that shift. And Congress 
has an obligation to ensure that that remains the case.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).

                              {time}  1345

  Mrs. CAPITO. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my fellow West Virginians and those of 
us in this Congress in support of today's resolution to extend our 
condolences to the families of the 29 miners who were killed in last 
week's mine disaster in Montcoal, West Virginia.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Rahall, for his 
steadfast support, his compassion, and his empathy for those in his 
district who have suffered an unimaginable loss. His strength and 
compassion was very evident to all of us who watched the activities as 
they unfolded in Raleigh County.
  I would also like to thank our Governor, Governor Manchin. He was a 
stalwart comforter in chief to many of us because, as my fellow 
colleagues from West Virginia has said, if one West Virginian suffers, 
we all suffer.
  I would also like to thank the outstanding efforts of the mine rescue 
teams and the many volunteers who provided their support and prayers.
  The accident that occurred at Performance Coal Company's Upper Big 
Branch mine has taken an immense toll on all West Virginians and left a 
community shattered, very sad, and very shaken. After 6 days of waiting 
for any news, rescue workers located the four missing miners and found 
no survivors. While we were all hoping for a miracle, unfortunately, we 
were left with the sad conclusion.
  Too many families have suffered the tragic loss of losing a loved one 
in a mine disaster. Last week's explosion was the worst mining disaster 
in an American mine in 40 years and the third major mining disaster in 
West Virginia in the last 4 years. An explosion at the Sago mine in my 
district on January 2, 2006, trapped 13 miners for nearly 2 days. By 
the grace of God, one miner survived.
  We cannot forget the grief and suffering of the families, friends, 
and coworkers of all the miners who have died. These are deaths that 
can and must be prevented. The rescue workers were valiant, working 
around the clock to find their fallen brothers and to help the families 
in their horrible time of grief.
  Following Sago, Congress rightly passed stricter mine safety 
regulations to enhance inspector programs, improve emergency response, 
and put in place protections to prevent future mine disasters. To 
ensure that all mines receive regular inspection, Congress has 
increased MSHA funding, because MSHA had been unable to meet these 
mandated responsibilities.
  However, new rules and regulations are useless if they are not 
enforced. The coal companies must be vigilant and must follow the rules 
in every case. No excuses. Keeping our miners safe requires a 
collaborative approach between the regulators and the mining industry. 
Both must expand their health and safety programs to prevent hazards 
from starting in the first place. Otherwise, reforms Congress clearly 
intended to address with the passage of the MINER Act will be rendered 
meaningless. Congress has a very important oversight role in 
scrutinizing issues that lead to this disaster.
  There must be, and I am sure there will be, a very thorough 
investigation into this tragedy to determine what further action must 
be taken to prevent this from ever happening again. I vow to take 
whatever measures are necessary to ensure the safety and health of our 
coal miners.
  I join today with my colleagues and really the entire Nation to 
extend our condolences to those families of the lost miners and to the 
communities surrounding. This is a devastating loss for all of us, and 
the warmth and prayers that have been sent to those of us living in 
West Virginia and particularly in the Montcoal area are welcomed and 
well received.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in passing this resolution.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), subcommittee chairman of 
Workforce Protections.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. This resolution rightly honors the 29 courageous coal 
miners who were senselessly killed in the explosion at the Upper Big 
Branch

[[Page 5504]]

mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia, last week; and it supports those 
family members left behind. Our deepest sympathies go out to these 
families, and we also hope for the speedy recovery of the two miners 
who were injured.
  Miners, like all working people, are the basis for America's future. 
And it is true that miners work in a very dangerous profession, but 
there is absolutely no excuse for a tragedy like this one. We don't 
know yet the cause of this explosion, but the investigations have 
begun.
  We do know, however, that Massey Energy, the mine owner, was cited 
for 450 safety violations in the year 2009 for the Upper Big Branch 
mine. Massey contested most of these citations, keeping the violations 
in legal limbo and preventing MSHA from establishing a pattern of 
violations that could have led to a shutdown of the mine; and it could 
have increased scrutiny of this owner and possibly prevented these 
disasters.
  These appeals filed by the companies like Massey have created a 
tremendous backlog at the MSHA Review Commission, a backlog that has 
increased from 1,500 cases in the year 2005 to 16,000 cases today. The 
Review Commission does not have the resources to resolve a backlog of 
this size in a timely fashion, so we as Members of Congress immediately 
must provide the background and the legal authority for more funds to 
hire more administrative law judges so that we can expedite the appeals 
process.
  In addition to scrutinizing Massey Energy's role in this disaster, we 
need to look at MSHA's role as well. Is MSHA using all the authority it 
has under current law to prevent these explosions? Does MSHA need more 
authority to carry out their mission? As the chair of the Workforce 
Protection Subcommittee, I will be working closely with Chairman 
Miller, with Ranking Member Kline, and Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers 
and Representative Rahall and all of the others in this Congress, which 
is probably 435 of us, knowing that we must take the steps that are 
necessary to prevent any future mining disasters.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare).
  Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, on April 5, 29 hardworking men--fathers, 
brothers, sons, and husbands--left home for a day at work. All thought 
they would return home safely to their families that night, but, sadly, 
they didn't.
  I stand in solidarity with my colleagues from West Virginia and all 
across this Nation in honoring the 29 coal miners that were lost.
  I wish to express my deepest sympathies to each of the families of 
the workers who perished in the West Virginia mine explosion. I know 
the loss you have experienced will stay with you forever, and I hope 
that you can take some solace in knowing that all Americans share in 
your grief.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to express my utmost 
gratitude to the rescue teams who have so tirelessly and heroically 
risked their own lives in an effort to save others. Your bravery does 
not go unnoticed and is appreciated by all Americans.
  The explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine was America's worst mining 
disaster in 40 years, and the toll on all West Virginians has been 
devastating. It requires us to again ask our colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle, with four mine disasters in the last 4 years, how many 
more tragedies have to occur before we start taking mine safety more 
seriously and implement strong reforms to protect all of our miners?
  I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with Chairman 
Miller and Chairwoman Woolsey to honor these miners through action. 
While we cannot bring back the men that were lost, we can do more to 
advance the cause of workplace safety across this country; and we 
should start by ensuring that MSHA has the tools, the staff, and 
technology to prevent tragedies such as these. The report yesterday 
that a computer error prevented Upper Big Branch mine from being 
identified as a risk is deeply disturbing and completely and totally 
unacceptable. All Americans deserve to work in a place that is safe, 
and we must take whatever steps are necessary to ensure a disaster like 
this will never happen again.
  Again, I want to join my colleagues in expressing my deepest 
condolences to those affected by this devastating tragedy. I assure 
each of the affected families and communities that your loss will not 
be forgotten and the memory of these coal miners will inspire me and my 
colleagues to take bold action on mine safety.
  I thank the gentleman for the time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).
  Mr. RAHALL. I thank the chairman for yielding.
  I rise simply to thank my many colleagues in this body on both sides 
of the aisle that have expressed their condolences this week in the 
debate that has just occurred or rather to me personally or in phone 
calls. I know that my colleague from northern West Virginia, 
Representative Mollohan, called every day for a status update; and I 
appreciate the gentlewoman from the Second District, Representative 
Capito's, comments.
  But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I do recognize the work of the 
distinguished chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, my dear 
friend George Miller. We worked together following previous disasters 
that have been referenced during this debate, the Sago and Aracoma 
disasters that occurred in West Virginia as well about 4 years ago.
  Reference has been made to the MINERS Act that was passed following 
past disasters. Many good parts of that were put in place by our 
operators across the State and were in place at this particular mine. 
Unfortunately, due to the severe nature of this blast, these features 
did not have a chance to trigger or to come into play. So something 
else needs to be done to prevent these disasters.
  I salute the chairman again.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 
seconds.
  I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. 
Rahall). But, tragically, we have been through this before. It's 
clearly the intent of the chair to work with the entire delegation. I 
tried to state it, maybe not as articulately as I had hoped to, but we 
fully understand that these tragedies in the mining community are felt 
across the State. They are felt across the region. The deaths may be 
isolated, but because of the history and the culture and the economy of 
these regions, we know that they are felt across the region, and we 
expect to work with the entire delegation and with the Senate 
delegation as we try to uncover what has taken place here with the 
tragedy that existed.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the House, 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).
  Ms. PELOSI. I thank the chairman for yielding. I thank him for his 
leadership on this important issue and the attention that he has called 
to it over time and the focus that he has had since day one when we 
learned of this tragedy.
  I want to join our colleagues, Chairman Rahall, in whose district 
this tragedy occurred, Mr. Mollohan and Mrs. Capito to extend 
condolences to them. Because while this occurred in Mr. Rahall's 
district, I know the grief is felt throughout the State of West 
Virginia as it is being felt throughout our country.
  Mr. Speaker, today in towns across Raleigh County, West Virginia, 
flags are flying at half staff. Their residents are mourning the loss 
of their fathers, brothers, and sons in last week's deadly mine 
explosion in Montcoal. Since then, people across our country have cried 
for them, have joined in the mourning; and today in the Congress we 
officially join these proud Americans in expressing our deepest 
condolences for the loss of 29 coal miners, 29

[[Page 5505]]

coal miners, in the worst mining accident in four decades.
  We do so led by Chairman Nick Rahall, who has been on the scene of 
this catastrophe the last 1\1/2\ weeks. Congressman Rahall has prayed 
with his constituents, and he has consoled them. He has committed to 
work for better conditions, vigorous oversight of the mining industry, 
and rigorous enforcement of safety standards for America's mines. In 
doing so, he has worked with our chairman, Mr. Miller, in this regard.
  As Congressman Rahall and other West Virginia leaders, including 
Congressman Mollohan and Congresswoman Capito, often remind us, this 
Nation is indebted to our coal miners for the difficult and dangerous 
work they do. Their contributions are a rich part of our Nation's 
history. Their labor makes our way of life possible.
  But, last week, 29 families received a phone call that every coal 
miner's family fears; and as the communities of West Virginia grieved, 
the Nation grieved with them.

                              {time}  1400

  Now, with this tragedy first in our minds, we must redouble our 
efforts to minimize the risks to our mine workers and to ensure that 
they can do their jobs without a threat to their well-being.
  When this tragedy occurred, I called Mr. Rahall, and his concerns 
were very personal about the families who were affected. I called the 
President of the United Mine Workers, Cecil Roberts, a visionary leader 
in our country, and his concerns were about the families.
  But as we move away from that tragedy, our concern for the families 
must be reflected in our decisions here and the insistence that we have 
on upholding standards. We must, as I say, redouble our efforts to 
minimize the risk to those workers.
  Today we acknowledge the brave efforts of their fellow coal miners 
who were part of the response team and other first responders who 
worked tirelessly in the hope of rescue and bravely on behalf of 
recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, many of the families who lost miners this week have 
spoken of their deep faith and how that has comforted them.
  On this House floor this morning, we were led in prayer by Bishop 
Simms from West Virginia, Mr. Rahall's constituent, and he shared with 
us how faith can see us all through, especially these families. On this 
House floor today we join them knowing that 29 brave souls are now in a 
better place.
  Again, our condolences to every member of those families. To the 
communities, as Mr. Cecil Roberts said to us, we are all one family 
here in the mining community. I know Mr. Rahall expressed that 
sentiment to me as well.
  Well, at a time like this it's important for the families of West 
Virginia and the coal mining community to know that, as a Nation, we 
are one family with them as well. I hope it is a comfort to them that 
so many people in our country mourn their loss and are praying for them 
at this sad time.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the 
time.
  I urge support for this resolution which honors the 29 men who 
perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine. These men were simply doing 
their job, extracting the coal that powers the Nation.
  We recognize the Red Cross workers, volunteers and others in this 
close-knit community who banded together in a time of tragedy. We 
commend the rescue teams who went in after their brothers in the hope 
of bringing them to safety and with a commitment to bringing them home.
  And we express our condolences to the family members who lost those 
that they loved so dearly. It has been said today that West Virginians 
stand together in times of tragedy. Today we stand together with them.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution. I thank the gentlewoman for her 
presentation of this resolution, and for all of those who participated 
in the debate.
  Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest sadness that I offer 
my condolences to the families of the 29 brave mineworkers who perished 
on April 5, 2010. I have been holding these families in my thoughts and 
my prayers.
  For those of us representing Appalachia, this news is particularly 
saddening. The history of our region will forever be linked to the 
mining of coal, a connection for which I hold great pride. For 
generations, residents of my district have fed their families from work 
in these mines, as they will for generations to come.
  The loss of a miner is the loss of a brother and a friend. This loss 
cuts deep into the soul of our Appalachian towns and communities.
  The deaths of these miners must not be in vain--we must take lessons 
from this tragedy to create a better future for mineworkers everywhere. 
The mineworkers of Appalachia deserve to go to work each day with peace 
of mind that their workplace is safe. Events like those that transpired 
earlier this month shake that trust, and we must determine the cause of 
the event if we are to properly ensure their future safety and to 
ensure the strength of the coal mining industry.
  While we are truly blessed to live in a country bestowed with great 
resources, we hold a responsibility to protect those who risk life and 
limb to harvest them in the name of a greater, stronger nation. The 
strength of our Nation is a reflection of how we treat these soldiers 
of the coal mines, and we all must work to ensure their safety.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1236, 
which honors the 29 coal miners who tragically died in the Upper Big 
Branch Mine-South, extends condolences to the victims' families, and 
recognizes the valiant efforts of the emergency workers who responded 
to the mine disaster. H. Res. 1236 is an important measure that 
expresses our heartfelt sadness over this tragic loss of life in 
Raleigh County, West Virginia. Importantly, it also reaches out to the 
friends and families who are grieving their loss, and honors the 
selfless men and women who risked their own lives in responding to the 
disaster.
  I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I would also like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, 
my friend Congressman Nick Rahall. The coalminers tragically lost in 
the disaster were his constituents and I know how heavily this tragedy 
is weighing upon him. But I also know his resolve to do all he can to 
ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
  Mr. Speaker, in West Virginia, coal mining is more than just a 
profession--it is a way of life, a vital part of the State's history 
and culture. However, the work done by coalminers has implications 
across the country. Our Nation is indebted to West Virginia coalminers 
for the dangerous work that they do on a daily basis to help power our 
Nation and keep it strong and secure. Despite repeated accidents in our 
Nation's mines, coalminers have returned to the mines time and again in 
order to support their families and provide the energy that helps fuel 
industry and power homes across the country. The 29 miners lost in the 
disaster were performing this important work and deserve our gratitude 
and appreciation. Just as important, their families deserve our 
condolences and support in this time of need.
  It is also entirely fitting that we honor the brave emergency workers 
who responded immediately to the disaster and worked tirelessly to 
rescue those trapped and injured in the disaster. The emergency 
responders entered the Upper Big Branch Mine with full knowledge that 
they may never return from the mine. This willingness to put their own 
lives at risk in an attempt to save others is heroic and worthy of our 
continued gratitude and praise.
  Finally, the tragedy in Raleigh County, West Virginia is a poignant 
reminder of the need to do more to ensure the safety of our Nation's 
mines. Hopefully, we can take this horrible tragedy--the worst mining 
disaster in 40 years--as a call to ensure that all necessary safety and 
health regulations are in place in our mines, so that coalminers can 
work in the safest possible conditions. In order to protect the lives 
of our Nation's miners and their families from tragedy, we must do all 
that we can to prevent future mining disasters.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1236.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I extend my condolences to 
the community of Raleigh County, West Virginia, as it mourns the loss 
of 29 miners in the collapse of the Upper Big Branch Mine-South, the 
worst U.S. mining disaster in decades. I also would like to express my 
heartfelt condolences to the families of victims who perished in the 
collapse.

[[Page 5506]]

  The profession of coal mining is important not only to our nation's 
past, but also to its future, as we search for alternatives to our 
dependence on foreign oil. These professions power our economies and 
shape our culture.
  I commend the tireless efforts of Raleigh County's first responders, 
as well as the volunteer efforts of those trained in mine rescue, and 
for the long hours they devoted to save the lives of the trapped 
miners.
  The role of Congress in securing the health and safety of coal miners 
is essential and important. I take my role in the process of ensuring 
that violations of safety codes are properly dealt with and recorded, 
so communities like Raleigh County, West Virginia can avoid tragedy.
  I would like to thank Rep. Rahall for introducing this piece of 
legislation, and express our Nation's sympathy and support for the 
fallen miners, their families and their community.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1236, which 
honors the coal miners who perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine--South 
in Raleigh County, West Virginia, extends condolences to their 
families, and recognizes the valiant efforts of emergency response 
workers at the mine disaster.
  On April 5, America witnessed the worst coal mining disaster in 40 
years when an explosion occurred at the Upper Big Branch--South Mine. 
Twenty-nine miners were killed in this tragedy, and my thoughts and 
prayers go out to their families, friends and colleagues during this 
difficult time.
  I also would like to commend the rescue teams who bravely risked life 
and limb to search for missing miners after the disaster, and thank the 
volunteers who supported the community through this tragedy.
  I feel strongly about the concerns of the mining industry because I 
was born and raised in West Virginia, where my father as a U.S. 
Senator, was known as one of the best friends a miner ever had. There 
is no question that mining has been a dangerous job. Today, coal mining 
is rated among the most dangerous jobs in America. It does not have to 
be that way.
  Chairman Miller has assured me that the Education and Labor Committee 
will be investigating any possible health and safety violations at the 
Upper Big Branch--South Mine to see if laws were circumvented and 
miners' lives were recklessly put at risk. If that was indeed the case, 
those responsible must be held accountable.
  Too many families have suffered the loss of a loved one in a mining 
disaster. We in Congress need to fully investigate the factors that led 
to these tragedies. We need to investigate the deficiencies in laws, 
regulations and enforcement that may have contributed to these 
disasters.
  We owe it to the families of miners lost in these disasters and the 
miners that work every day to take action to prevent these accidents 
from happening again. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1236.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1236.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the 
yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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