WASHINGTON, D.C. — Surrounded by retired coal miners and widows of miners outside the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation and other members of Congress talked optimistically about getting a permanent fix for health care benefits done before Friday’s deadline.
Thousands of retirees and widows face losing benefits that have been funded by coal companies through the federal government since the late 1940’s if a fix isn’t approved. Coal company bankruptcies sent supporters in search of a new funding source which is the Abandoned Mine Land Fund.
Those speaking Wednesday said following a months long battle they can see the finish line. United Mine Workers Union President Cecil Roberts said there’s one key reason their efforts have made it this far.
“I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that our union has been touched by the Almighty Hand of God and that’s why we’re standing here today. That’s what I believe,” Roberts said.
Roberts, supporting Senate and House members agreed Wednesday the health care fix is the proposal mostly likely to pass by Friday with funding for lifetime pension benefits to be dealt with at a later date.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin said he spoke again Wednesday with President Donald Trump who pledged his support.
“He said basically, ‘I’m with them. I’m behind them. We’re going to get this thing finished,'” Manchin said.
First District Congressman David McKinley said he’s also spoken with President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan about getting the deal done now.
“We think it’s on the edge, right there, it’s about ready to happen, but we’re not going to adjourn this weekend until we have a commitment,” McKinley said to approval of the retired miners on hand for Wednesday’s news conference.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said what she’s learned about the last several months is coal miners are fighters.
“Not only have many of them fought for our country but they’ve fought through their jobs to work hard everyday and they’ve fought to make sure we here do the right thing and treat them fairly and justly,” Capito said.
Roberts said the bipartisan support for the fix speaks volumes.
“When it’s the right issue people can absolutely come together and stand with the people who work for a living in the United States of America,” Roberts said.