Political Quotes

“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 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.…”