Nick Rahall: “It follows in the wake of the Sago mine disaster in 2006, which claimed 12 lives; the Darby mine disaster was also in…”

“It follows in the wake of the Sago mine disaster in 2006, which claimed 12 lives; the Darby mine disaster was also in 2006, which claimed 12 lives; and Crandall Canyon mine disaster in 2007, which claimed nine lives. While Congress responded in 2006, again under the very capable leadership of the Education and Labor Committee chairman, Mr. Miller, with the enactment of what is referred to as the MINER Act, the focus then was on emergency response. In the wake of the UBB disaster, it is now entirely appropriate that we investigate coal mine health and safety matters further. And the committee on Education and Labor is the appropriate forum for that to take place. I again commend Chairman George Miller and his ranking member, Mr. John Kline, for pursuing a responsible course in the conduct of this, their oversight responsibilities. I do urge the adoption of the resolution. And I would note and thank the ranking member of the Rules Committee, Mr. Dreier, as well for the bipartisan support that he and members of the Rules Committee and on the minority side are giving this particular resolution, although they are trying to of course hijack it for other purposes.”