On the recordSeptember 28, 2010
On August 5, 2010, the San Jose copper-gold mine in Copiapo, Chile collapsed, leaving 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet underground. As of today, they have been there for 55 days. The Chilean President has made the rescue of these stranded miners a national priority. This resolution addresses that deplorable event. While initial estimates suggested that a complete rescue will take as long as 4 months, recent developments give hope that relief could come for the miners and their families much sooner. Chilean officials are working tirelessly to rescue the 33 miners, and are making the necessary preparations to ease them back into society post-rescue. In this context, NASA has provided its unique expertise on rescue missions and the psychological impact of isolation. Private U.S. companies such as UPS have also contributed. Madam Speaker, this resolution expresses solidarity with the stranded miners and their families, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
