John Kline

There is a slim chance that the walls could cave in or the roof could collapse

If MSHA had engaged in timely enforcement of the Mine Act and applicable standards and regulations, it would have lessened the chances of, and possibly could have prevented, the Upper Big Branch explosion.

There is no question. They are officially one of the bad guys here.

Improved mine safety and health is a result of operators fully living up to their responsibilities.

On April 5, 2010, the people of Montcoal, West Virginia suffered a tragic loss.

Good morning, Assistant Secretary Main. Thank you for being with us today.

I would argue that the federal government is strapped as well, and the president's budget reflecting, again, another $1 trillion deficit.

I am always for leaner and meaner--leaner and meaner as we go forward in these tough budgetary times.

I know that there are Members on this Committee whose districts were hit hard and you have my commitment that the Department will continue to work with those communities to provide all the assistance and support we can.

Chairman Kline, you may be interested to know that in your own Congressional District there are a handful of job clubs hosted by local churches that are providing invaluable support to job seekers.

The election-year budget of President Obama fails that test.

It is clear that with this budget the administration has again chosen to ignore the urgent plea for fiscal responsibility.

The reality of the president's budget is disturbing.

The nation must strengthen the education provided to its students.

The federal government should not dictate state and local spending decisions as a condition of receiving federal funds.

House Republicans claim they are taking this action to help states cope with budget shortfalls

The idea of dropping the maintenance-of-effort provision is particularly ill advised

Reauthorization is crucial to providing the nation's schools with relief from current law, which is both broken and lacking in the flexibility states and local school districts need to support student learning and achievement.

I was sadly disappointed the president's budget came out and once again there is no increase for special ed funding.

This ensures that states and school districts do not shortchange high-poverty schools

The thoroughly misnamed Student Success Act

I applaud your legislation's recognition of the primacy of state and local leadership in education.

The Student Success Act and Encouraging Innovation and Effective Teachers Act represent a step in the right direction.

If the federal government would just meet its commitment for special ed it would help us--every school.

For 40 or 50 years we have been doing things in a very similar way.