H.R.2768 - Federal Government

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Rule H. Res. 918 passed House.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 918. (consideration: CR H45-75)

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 918 and Rule XVIII.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Luis V. Gutierrez to act as Chairman of the Committee.

H.AMDT.919 Amendment (A001) offered by Mr. George Miller. (consideration: CR H60-64, H70) An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-508 to provide the mining industry with more time to install a new generation of fire-resistant conveyor belts. The amendment would also provide funds for MSHA to purchase a new generation of dust monitoring devices to limit black lung disease, and ensure that breathable air requirements of the MINER Act of 2006 are properly implemented. In addition, the amendment requires that the Secretary of Labor conduct a study on substance abuse by miners with recommendations for policy changes, in consultation with all interested parties. The Secretary shall report the findings within six months of the bill's enactment and, if she deems it feasible and effective, shall be authorized to establish a miner substance abuse testing, rehabilitation, and treatment program within MSHA in consultation with the interested parties.

H.AMDT.920 Amendment (A002) offered by Mr. Boucher. (consideration: CR H64-65, H70-71) An amendment numbered 2 printed in House Report 110-508 to authorize $10,000,000 to award grants to provide rehabilitation service s to current and former miners suffering from mental health impairments, including drug addiction and substance abuse issues, which may have been caused or exacerbated by their work as miners.

H.AMDT.921 Amendment (A003) offered by Mr. Ellsworth. (consideration: CR H65-66, H71-72) An amendment numbered 3 printed in House Report 110-508 to offer relief to mine operators that have been assessed penalties and pa y them in a timely fashion. It also establishes a trust fund within Treasury, composed of mine safety civil penalties. Funds from the trust fund can be used for mine safety inspections and investigations only.

H.AMDT.922 Amendment (A004) in the nature of a substitute offered by Mr. Wilson (SC). (consideration: CR H66-70, H72) An amendment in the nature of a substitute numbered 4 printed in House Report 110-508 to promote the continued robust implementa tion of the 2006 MINER Act, increases worker safety by providing miners the opportunity to have a voice in mine safety, expands substance abuse programs to all mines to ensure safe working conditions for all miners, and addresses issues raised by the recent Crandall Canyon disaster.

H.AMDT.919 On agreeing to the Miller, George amendment (A001) Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 - 183 (Roll no. 5).

H.AMDT.920 On agreeing to the Boucher amendment (A002) Agreed to by recorded vote: 364 - 53 (Roll no. 6).

H.AMDT.921 On agreeing to the Ellsworth amendment (A003) Agreed to by recorded vote: 416 - 0 (Roll no. 7).

H.AMDT.922 On agreeing to the Wilson (SC) amendment (A004) Failed by recorded vote: 188 - 229 (Roll no. 8).

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2768.

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.

The House adopted the amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

Mr. Souder moved to recommit with instructions to Education and Labor.

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.

On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 197 - 217 (Roll no. 9).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.