WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today attended the Senate Finance Committee’s markup of the Miners Protection Act with West Virginia miners. In June, Senator Capito secured a commitment from Senate Finance Committee Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) that the bill would be marked up no later than September 30. She issued the following statement regarding the bill’s passage out of the committee on an 18-8 vote:

“Today’s strong vote in the Senate Finance Committee indicates a good level of support for the Miners Protection Act, and is a good step to ease some of the insecurity our miners are facing. I am grateful that Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden followed through on the agreement we reached in June to move this critical bill through the committee process,” said Senator Capito.

“Now we have to keep forging ahead. Let’s be clear: This is not and should not be a partisan issue. The Miners Protection Act is a fix that would benefit so many. It will mean a real difference in the quality of life for tens of thousands of Americans just months from now, and I hope my colleagues will recognize the uncertain futures facing our miners. I will continue working with Senator Manchin and my other colleagues to secure more support for the bill and bring it to the Senate floor before the end of the year,” Senator Capito added.
 

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