Honoring the coal miners who perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South in Raleigh County, West Virginia, extending condolences to their families and recognizing the valiant efforts of emergency response workers at the mine disaster.

Whereas coal mining is a time-honored profession and miners and their families have shaped the history and rich culture of West Virginia and the Nation;

Whereas the Nation is greatly indebted to coal miners for the difficult and dangerous work they perform to provide the fuel needed to keep the Nation strong and secure;

Whereas the Nation has long recognized the importance of health and safety protections for miners who labor in extreme and dangerous conditions;

Whereas accidents in the Nation’s mines have again and again taken the lives of coal miners;

Whereas 29 West Virginia miners tragically perished in the Upper Big Branch Mine-South following an explosion on April 5, 2010;

Whereas this was the worst coal mining disaster in the Nation over the last 40 years;

Whereas Federal, State, and local rescue crews worked tirelessly night and day in courageous rescue and recovery efforts;

Whereas the families of the fallen miners have suffered immeasurable loss; and

Whereas residents of Raleigh County and throughout West Virginia came together to support the miners’ families: Now, therefore, be it