U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) commended the Senate Finance Committee’s passage this week of the Miners Protection Act (S. 1714). The bill transitions surplus, unused funds from the Abandoned Mine Land Fund to reinforce miners’ pension and health benefits programs, which are managed by the United Mine Workers of America.

“Retired miners in Kansas face the threat of a reduction or loss of health and retirement benefits,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan legislation would enhance the federal government’s ability to uphold its previous commitments to retired miners and their families in Kansas.”

The coal industry’s free fall and its growing number of beneficiaries have placed the programs at risk of insolvency. The legislation will now await consideration by the full U.S. Senate.

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