Cord Byrd: “important provisions in H.R. 5970 provide a long-term solution for the Abandoned Mine Land, AML, program as well as…”

“important provisions in H.R. 5970 provide a long-term solution for the Abandoned Mine Land, AML, program as well as resolve the uncertainty of the health care needs for retired miners and their families. Right now, there are 52,320 retired miners and their families nationwide who depend on these critical funds to provide for their health care needs. At least 17,195, or about one-third of these people, are in West Virginia. I have also worked for many years to keep the AML program going for West Virginia and other coal-producing States. This important program cleans up old mine hazards and improves the environment in the coalfields. I have always been there to shore up the funding for our coal miners' health care funds, and I have always been there for the AML program. The bill before us today is an opportunity to solve these issues permanently, and I embrace it. H.R. 5970 would also address the Federal estate tax, something that the small business owners and farmers of my State have made clear is a priority for them, and in need of reform. In the past, I have supported legislation to increase the estate tax exemption, and to lower the top tax rate, as an alternative to permanent repeal. This bill is consistent with those past efforts that I have supported. Senators have raised concerns about the cost of this bill, and its effect on the Federal budget.…”