Robert Byrd: “I believe that past agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, which I voted against, have…”

Congress has authorized the most aggressive miner protection laws in the history of the world--history of the universe.

I find this tactic contrary to every Senator's duty to act in good faith.

I don't believe it was because of lack of funding. I don't believe that MSHA lacked enforcement authorities. I don't believe that.

These laws are also jeopardized when the miners themselves are not incorporated into the heart of the inspection and enforcement process.