Washington, D.C.- Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01)took to the House floor this morning to demand action to protect the health care benefits and pensions of coal miners who are in jeopardy of losing their hard-earned benefits. Below are his remarks as planned for delivery. To watch the Congressman’s speech, click here.

“Mr. Speaker, the health care benefits and pensions for 120,000 coal miners and their families are in serious jeopardy due to bankruptcies and challenges in the coal industry.

“This issue isn’t just about a shortfall of funds; it’s about people’s lives.

“A retired coal miner told me about his wife who had cancer. He was so afraid of losing his health care; he was nearly in tears.

“Another retiree told me he needed his pension to take care of his handicapped granddaughter. They’re scared. 

“Coal miners helped build this country. They’ve earned these benefits and they deserve to have the secure retirement they worked so hard for.

“Legislation I’ve been working on for over 3 years will protect health care and pensions for these retirees and their families. 

“We need to act soon….time is running out.

“Look: promises were made, promises made by the federal government years ago, and those promises need to be kept.

“Let’s get this bill to the floor so these families can have peace of mind and know that we care about them.

“Thank you. I yield back the balance of my time.”

Background on the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act

Congressman McKinley is the Chairman of the Congressional Coal Caucus and a tireless advocate of coal mining communities. He introduced the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act three years ago to protect pension benefits for 120,000 retirees and their families, and protect health care coverage for 20,000 retirees, threatened by bankruptcy.