KENNEDY CALLS FOR HEARING INTO WEST VIRGINIA MINING TRAGEDY

Washington, D.C. Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, ranking member of the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions sent the below letter to Chairman Mike Enzi requesting a hearing to investigate the tragedy that took place this week in Tallmansville, West Virginia in the Sago Mine where twelve lives were lost. The safety of the mines has been called into question, with over 200 violations cited in the last year alone. Mining safety and much-needed oversight in the inspection process has been a key issue for Senator Kennedy during his four decades on the HELP Committee where he has sought to ensure vigorous enforcement, enhance inspection oversight and maintain high regulations for miner safety. Senator Kennedy said, “This is a great tragedy for the community of Tallmansville and the entire country. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the twelve miners in their time of grief. Our thoughts are also with the family of Randal McCloy Jr., as we all hope for his swift and full recovery. As we remember these brave workers we owe it to them to find out why this tragedy occurred and how future disasters like this can be prevented.” -30-