; (4) the impact of sequestration, furloughs, and the Federal Government shutdown, which occurred from October 1 to October 16, 2013, on increasing administrative burdens and the backlog of cases pending before such office; and (5) with respect to claims filed under the Black Lung Benefits Act ( 30 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the necessary resources needed to reduce the average pendency of cases to less than 12 months from the date of receipt of the case to the date of disposition of such case. (c) Consultation In preparing such strategy, the Secretary of Labor shall consult with organizations that have ongoing interactions with the Office of Administrative Law Judges of the Department of Labor, including organizations that represent parties in cases under the Black Lung Benefits Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act ( 33 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), and Federal statutes regarding whistleblowers, wages and hours for employees, and immigration. 122. GAO report on black lung program (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives a report on any barriers to health care faced by coal miners with pneumoconiosis. (b) Contents The report required under subsection (a) shall include— (1) an assessment of possible barriers to health care under the Black Lung Benefits Act ( 30 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) and the degree to which any barriers impact the ability of miners with legitimate medical needs, particularly such miners in rural areas, to access treatment for pneumoconiosis; (2) recommendations necessary to address issues, if any, relating to patient access to care under such Act