Mitch McConnell : McConnell Unveils Permanent Coal Miner Health Care Fix

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor on legislation he introduced to protect the health care benefits of coal miners:

'In the days since President Obama took office, too many coal miners have lost their jobs - including well over 10,000 in Kentucky - and more than 25 coal mining companies have filed for bankruptcy. This means that there are fewer active workers available to pay into an expanding retirement pool, leaving health benefits in jeopardy for thousands of retired miners.

'Last year, I was proud to be able to secure an extension of these benefits past their year-end expiration date. While I advocated for a longer-term solution, we did secure a four-month plan. I made a commitment at that time to work with my colleagues on a long-term health care solution for these retired miners.

'Today, I plan to introduce legislation to protect and permanently extend those benefits for thousands of coal miner retirees and their dependents.

'Recognizing the damage that has been done over the past eight years, my legislation also calls on Congress to work with the incoming Trump administration to repeal regulations that are harming the coal industry and to support economic development efforts in coal country.

'I highlighted these goals in a letter I sent to President-elect Trump earlier in the year regarding ways in which I hope we can work together to provide relief to coal country. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the incoming administration on these important issues.'