Capito: McConnell now on board for permanent fix to help retired miners

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Key support from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could be just what is needed for a permanent extension of health care benefits for thousands of retired coal miners, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said.

“He’s looking for a legislative vehicle to attach this to, as are Senator (Joe) Manchin and me,” Capito said. “I think we’re getting critical mass on the number of Republicans in favor of this.”

Capito and Manchin support the Miners Protection Act which would provide funding for health care and pension benefits from unused monies in the federal Abandoned Mine Land Fund. An attempt to have the measure pass in the Lame Duck Congress failed in December, instead the program was extended under its current funding source. Approximately 12,500 retired union miners and the widows of retirees stand to lose their pension and health care benefits if there’s not a permanent fix.

McConnell (R-KY) introduced the Helping Ensure Long-term Protection (HELP) for Coal Miner Health Care Act last week. The bill deals with the health care issue, struggling economies in coalfield communities along with calling for federal audits to make sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

McConnell wasn’t as quick last year to come on board for a permanent fix, according to Capito.

“We had to bring him along to have him become the believer he has become, that a permanent fix is what these miners deserve and what we should be providing for them,” she said.

The fact that thousands of residents in his own state of Kentucky are impacted by the program and the support of nearly 60 senators for a permanent fix probably helped persuade McConnell, Capito said.

“He’s realized this is the right thing to do. I don’t know why it took him so long but I’m glad he’s there,” Capito said.

Capito believes the “critical mass” can get together on the provisions of a bill before the current extension expires.

“I feel like we’re going to have a very positive outcome before the end of April. I feel like we’re going to have a permanent fix,” Capito said.

There’s a similar measure in the U.S. House. First District Congressman David McKinley reintroduced the The Coal Healthcare and Pension Protection Act on Jan. 3.

“Our coal miners have worked tirelessly over the last several decades to power this country. They earned these benefits and they don’t deserve to have them taken away. This is an urgent issue and we need to act as soon as possible,” McKinley said.





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