Vicky Hartzler: “I thank the gentleman. I really appreciate you holding this special time, where we can show our support for the coal…”

“I thank the gentleman. I really appreciate you holding this special time, where we can show our support for the coal industry, as well as condemn the Obama administration's current war on coal, because that's what it is. In Missouri, coal is our preferred source of energy for electrical generation due to its abundance and its low cost. Coal provides over 81 percent of Missouri's electric-power generation, and Missouri ranks 11th in the Nation in energy affordability. So that means the people of Missouri have more money that they can spend on other things for their family. It also attracts businesses to our State. We want to keep it that way. We love coal in Missouri, and we appreciate the role that it plays in having affordable, safe energy in our country. I wanted to show this picture to you and my colleagues here because a lot of people think in Missouri that we don't have coal mines. But I want to tell you, in the Fourth District of Missouri, we have a coal mine. This is a picture. My husband and I had the opportunity to go there and I snapped a few pictures, and let me tell you we are so proud of it. These hardworking people here are doing a great job in getting coal out of the ground and taking it to our local power plants. This coal mine is providing great jobs in my district. These are high-paying, skilled jobs. I know some of the people that work here, and they appreciate this opportunity.…”