The subcommittee will come to order. The chair will recognize himself for an opening statement.

The ability of patients, physicians, and developers to communicate effectively is so important for the future of cures in this country.

I may have more questions for you.

If Mr. Fox had been able to get out of the dust back in 1999, as the act intended, he might have lived long enough to see his two grandchildren.

Thank you. So you've told us we need statutory change.

I'll turn to Senator Harkin, because I know we're short on time.

At the end of the day, if a miner is willing to travel into the bowels of the earth every day knowing that he may one day suffer from a lung disease, the least we can do is make sure he has a fair shot at justice and that the cards aren't…

I am confident today's hearing will provide invaluable information that will help us craft a bill that restores fairness to our Black Lung system and provides miners, their spouses, and dependants with the support they need and deserve.

Survivors whose claims were denied more than 1 year ago have no avenue for relief.

I strongly support the Department's efforts to combat black lung and hope that once these protections are in effect, the miners that make up today's workforce won't suffer from black lung and need to file claims for benefits in the first…

the reports focused on the Johns Hopkins Medical Center B Reader program led by Dr. Paul Wheeler.

You're talking about the situations where you have a new claim.

Before we wrap this up, why don't we put on the record your best definition of res judicata.

I want to thank all three of our witnesses for being here and for your testimony and for your public service.

I believe that you're going to need substantially more resources for the work that you're doing.

the reports described litigation tactics of coal company attorneys to selectively disclose medical evidence.

We are joined by Senator Harkin, and he missed only by seconds my commendation of his service in the Senate.

There are few Members of Congress who match your commitment to protecting the health and safety of our Nation's coal miners.