H.R. 6495, the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
December 8, 2010
On April 5, 2010, an underground explosion at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, West Virginia tragically took the lives of 29 miners. As Congress awaits the results of state and federal inquiries into this tragedy, it is vital to legislate responsibly, taking the time to identify the most effective changes to protect underground coal miners. Republicans are committed to toughening and modernizing mine safety laws and holding federal regulators and inspectors accountable for enforcing those laws. Democrats Put Speed Ahead of Safety Members on both sides of the aisle recognize the need for reform and stronger enforcement in the wake of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine and other recent mining tragedies. Members cannot legislate responsibly without all the facts. Unfortunately, Democrats are trying to pass a legislative solution without vital information.
By rushing to legislate before these investigations are complete, Democrats are preparing to pass a mining bill without knowing the cause of the worst mining tragedy in four decades. In addition, passing changes to the law will undo the progress MSHA has made and may undermine future progress by an agency with a history of falling short. A Flawed Process Equals a Flawed Bill Congress has a history of working on a bipartisan basis to improve mine safety. The most recent example of this work was in 2006 when Congress passed the bipartisan MINER Act. Unfortunately, today, Democrats are rushing a bill through the House mere days after their latest proposal was introduced, and just hours after making last minute changes behind closed doors. As a result, the bill is deeply flawed.
Miners deserve better than a flawed bill rushed through a flawed process. Republicans’ Preliminary Proposals to Enhance Mine Safety Republicans believe we cannot fully respond to the tragedy of Upper Big Branch until the investigations are complete. While those investigations continue, Republicans have identified preliminary areas for reform. Unfortunately, Democrats are denying members the opportunity to offer alternatives such as the proposal offered by Republicans earlier this year. The Republican mine safety alternative would – Identify and Punish Bad Actors
Empower MSHA to Enforce the Law and Modernize Mine Safety
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