House approves $35.6 million for mine safety; Senate to vote

Washington (Platts)--15Jun2006

The House approved the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which
includes $35.6 million in funding for mine safety on Tuesday by a vote of
351-67. The Senate is scheduled to vote on it today.

The bill provides $25.6 million to allow the Mine Safety and Health
Administration to hire 217 mine safety inspectors. It adds $10 million to the
mine safety research and development budget at the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. Language in the bill stipulates that funds are
made available for two years.

The money would also support grants to institutions that partner with the
federal government to develop underground safety equipment, including mine
rescue chambers and emergency breathing, tracking and communications devices.

"These are critical dollars, which will begin to fill the unacceptable gaps at
the federal mine safety agency. Too few inspectors. Out-of-date safety
technology. Too many unprepared rescue teams," West Virginia Senator Robert
Byrd said in a statement.

Byrd and fellow West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller authored the mine
funding amendment that was added to the bill.

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