Rep. Cartwright Urges Colleagues to Strengthen Black Lung Protections and Benefits for Miners at Oversight Hearing

Press Release

This week, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright took part in the House Committee on Education and Workforce's Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing entitled "Protecting America's Workers: Reviewing Mine Safety Policies with Stakeholders."

The hearing highlighted the unfair tactics by coal operators which enable them to deny benefits to disabled coal miners, and the need to review current compensation levels.

During the hearing Cartwright highlighted the current Black Lung Benefits Act's shortcomings in assuring miners receive the very modest compensation to which they are entitled; and the need to level the playing field for claimants.

In September, Cartwright introduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2015 (H.R. 3625). The legislation proposes sweeping reforms to the federal program that provides benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease.

Specifically, the bill would restore cost-of-living adjustments for Black Lung beneficiaries that were blocked or reduced as a result of federal employee pay freezes in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The legislation would also help level the playing field for miners battling this debilitating, potentially fatal disease.

"There is undeniable evidence that, as thousands of miners are being affected by black lung, coal company lawyers are determined to exploit loopholes preventing miners and their families from receiving the benefits they deserve. This legislation is needed to ensure that miners are able to obtain unbiased medical evidence, ample representation, and up-to-date benefit payments," said Rep. Cartwright.

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