Capito Calls on Rep. Miller to Drop Opposition to Mine Safety Legislation

Capito Calls on Rep. Miller to Drop Opposition to Mine Safety Legislation

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today criticized Rep. George Miller (D-CA) for blocking mine safety legislation from moving forward in the House. Capito last night forged a deal with House GOP leaders to bring Senate-passed mine safety legislation to the floor so it could be signed quickly into law by President Bush. But Miller blocked the vote on this important legislation. Today, Capito issued the following statement:

"It is outrageous that personal posturing has blocked the passage of this important mine safety legislation. By refusing to allow a vote on this bill, Mr. Miller is obstructing the passage of thoughtful, bipartisan legislation.

"This is a huge disappointment for miners who are relying on us to help protect them, and an injustice for the families of those who have died in mine tragedies across the country.

"I find it beyond hypocritical that someone who only five days ago made an 'urgent call' to end 'foot dragging' and pass mine safety legislation would make this about face to block the very progress he just recently cried out for.

"Let me be absolutely clear: this is the same bipartisan legislation that has the support of the United Mine Workers, the National Mining Association and every member Republican and Democrat of the United States Senate.

"Today, we should be sending important mine safety legislation to the president to sign into law. Instead, we're at a standstill because of the personal politics of one member of Congress. I call on Mr. Miller to immediately drop his opposition to this important legislation and allow us to move it to the floor for passage."

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http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=176&whichone=pr