Expressing support for the 33 trapped Chilean miners following the Copiapo mining disaster and the Government of Chile as it works to rescue the miners and reunite them with their families.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I want to commend Congressman Mack, the ranking member of the Western Hemisphere Committee, for offering this resolution.

H. Res. 1662 commends the bravery of the 33 trapped miners in Chile who have endured nearly 2 months of unimaginable mental and physical strain following the August 5 collapse of the San Jose copper-gold mine which trapped them one-half mile below ground.

It was believed that these men did not survive the original collapse, but 17 days after the disaster the miners were miraculously discovered to be alive and in fair condition. Quick-thinking and decisive action led the men to take refuge in a shelter where they have been surviving for the last 7 weeks.

The Chilean Government has been working tirelessly to secure the safety of the miners as quickly as possible and to secure their release. In addition, scientists and doctors from NASA, as well as private U.S. engineers and companies, have been instrumental throughout the rescue process and continue to aid in the drilling efforts.

Various supply holes have reached the group to provide them with food, water, health supplies, air, and games to keep the 33 individuals safe and stable.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1662, which commends the bravery of the 33 trapped miners in Chile who have endured nearly 2 months of unimaginable mental and physical strain following the August 5th collapse of the San Jose copper-gold mine which trapped them half a mile below ground.

It was believed that the men did not survive the original collapse, but 17 days after the disaster the miners were miraculously discovered to be alive and in fair condition.

Quick thinking and decisive action led the men to take refuge in a shelter where they have been surviving for the last seven weeks.

The Chilean government has been working tirelessly to secure the safety of the miners as quickly as possible.

In addition, scientists and doctors from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, as well as private U.S. engineers and companies, have been instrumental throughout the rescue process and continue to aid in the drilling efforts.

Various supply holes have reached the group to provide them with food, water, health supplies, air, and games to keep the 33 individuals safe and stable.

Because of the exhausting emotional and physical impact of the situation, psychologists have made it a priority to keep them occupied, and believe it is an integral part of the rescue, and reintegration process when they are finally pulled out.

Happily, recent advancements in the drilling efforts have improved rescue forecasts originally set for November.

I would like to commend President Pinera and the Chilean government for their tireless rescue efforts and again recognize the invaluable contributions of the U.S. agencies and private entities that have been a part of this humanitarian endeavor.

I also would like to extend my heartfelt sentiments to the trapped miners and their families.

Please know that we have you in our hearts and prayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1662, which expresses solidarity with the 33 trapped miners in Chile, whose story we've all been following in the news. Imagine: If we sit riveted to the tireless efforts of the rescue teams, what it must be like in Chile in ``Camp Hope'' where the families of the stranded miners hold vigil every day. Hope--Esperanza in Spanish--is a powerful force. In fact, the wife of one of the miners has given birth in the days since the collapse. The daughter's name: Esperanza.

Just last week, I met with the Chilean Defense Minister in my office. We spoke of miracles. For 17 days after the mine's collapse, not a shred of evidence existed that the men below were alive. Their families didn't know whether to grieve or to hope. Yet, on August 22, a miracle occurred. Discovering the miners were alive provided an entire country with hope and inspiration. And after a method was engineered to communicate with the trapped miners, my friend, President Sebastian Pinera, broadcast a message to the world from the miners: ``We are 33. We are fine.''

As we speak, engineers and other experts are leading three simultaneous efforts to rescue the miners. They involve sophisticated heavy machinery and precision drilling equipment, and every inch they descend into the mine must be undertaken with care. The miners are in a precarious situation. But the sense of optimism I observe in Chile is uplifting. The men have created a livable environment down there. They exercise, they pray, they play dominos. They are surviving--but they need the support of their families, their country, and people around the world.

Their rescue is imminent. I am proud that our government has stepped up to help in this difficult, but worthy endeavor. This is not an example of gaining political points or helping a political ally. This is our government doing what it does best: lending humanitarian support. A handful of medical experts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration--NASA--are in Chile now. They are providing psychological expertise on the effects of isolation. They will be there when the miners emerge from their temporary homes and will assist in their reintegration. I commend their efforts.

I urge my fellow lawmakers to join me in voting in favor of this resolution, so that these 33 brave souls--whether they rise to the Earth's surface in one week or one month in a metal contraption aptly called ``The Phoenix''--their families, and those who collaborated in their rescue know that here in the United States this chamber has taken the time to reflect on the plight of these heroes and express solidarity with them.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1662) expressing support for the 33 trapped Chilean miners following the Copiapo mining disaster and the Government of Chile as it works to rescue the miners and reunite them with their families.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

On August 5, 2010, the San Jose copper-gold mine in Copiapo, Chile collapsed, leaving 33 miners trapped 2,300 feet underground. As of today, they have been there for 55 days.

The Chilean President has made the rescue of these stranded miners a national priority. This resolution addresses that deplorable event.

While initial estimates suggested that a complete rescue will take as long as 4 months, recent developments give hope that relief could come for the miners and their families much sooner.

Chilean officials are working tirelessly to rescue the 33 miners, and are making the necessary preparations to ease them back into society post-rescue. In this context, NASA has provided its unique expertise on rescue missions and the psychological impact of isolation. Private U.S. companies such as UPS have also contributed.

Madam Speaker, this resolution expresses solidarity with the stranded miners and their families, and I urge my colleagues to support it.