Thomas Barlow: “Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the committee very much for bringing H.R. 2108, the Black Lung Benefits…”

“Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the committee very much for bringing H.R. 2108, the Black Lung Benefits Restoration Act, before us. This brings up the principle of fairness. That is what we are dealing with here, fairness. I say that to the Members on the other side of the aisle who are focusing on this issue today. That is the word that summarizes this bill--fairness. This bill provides fairness to the miners, it provides fairness to the coke workers, it provides fairness to the families, the widows and widowers, and it even provides fairness to the operators. Miners who received interim benefits and later were deemed ineligible have been forced to repay these benefits. Through heavy-handed methods, these benefits were collected, devastating families who had no means to save from their limited incomes. Many used that money to buy groceries and pay rent. H.R. 2108 would not consider interim benefits as an overpayment, and miners would not be responsible for repayment. H.R. 2108 will provide fairness to widows and widowers. If a miner dies and the cause of death is black lung, then the wife and children are entitled to the benefits. Men and women who have dedicated their lives to the mines deserve to have their families provided for if they die of black lung.”