IV 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 26 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 5, 2017 Mr. Jenkins of West Virginia (for himself, Mr. Rogers of Kentucky , Mr. McKinley , Mr. Griffith , and Mr. Mooney of West Virginia ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that restored the original black lung benefits eligibility requirements should not be reduced but should be preserved and protected.

Whereas men and women who spend their lives mining coal deserve the black lung benefits afforded them through the Black Lung Benefits Act; Whereas these critical benefits are important for thousands of men and women across the United States; Whereas, since 1969, black lung benefits have been guaranteed by the Federal Government and have provided assistance for miners and their widows; Whereas, in 1981, the Black Lung Benefits Act was amended tightening eligibility requirements and eliminating two provisions regarding the entitlement benefits of coal minors and survivors alike; Whereas the Black Lung Benefits Act was amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to restore provisions similar to those in the original Black Lung Benefits Act, providing equity for certain eligible survivors; Whereas these restored black lung benefits are critical for the widows and widowers of miners; Whereas the leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate have indicated that Congress will act to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the 115th Congress; and Whereas President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that he would sign a repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: Now, therefore, be it