Lynn C. Woolsey: “I thank the gentleman for bringing this bill forward. This is a proud day for me, as an original cosponsor of the Robert…”

“I thank the gentleman for bringing this bill forward. This is a proud day for me, as an original cosponsor of the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act, because the health and safety of miners is finally receiving the attention that it deserves. With this legislation, we hope to prevent the appalling loss of life that continues to occur in the mining industry. The recent accident at Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia once again proved this issue is too important to ignore, too devastating to delay. It is true that working conditions for miners have improved over the years, but too many mine workers are still dying or are becoming ill as a result of incidents that were or are preventible had everyone been following the law. The loss of life and health of a worker is unacceptable. There is much more we can do and must do to keep miners as healthy and safe as possible. These miners and their families deserve to know that when they leave for work in the morning, they will return home that evening to their families and that they will be safe and that they will be healthy.”