Endorsements for McGarvey Bills to Improve Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Their Families

Endorsements for McGarvey Bills to Improve Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Their Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 16, 2025) - Today, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced two bills, the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act and the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, to hold coal operators accountable and improve black lung benefits programs for miners and their families.

Both bills received endorsements by various miner advocate groups. Read what they are saying below.

Appalachian Voices

Government Affairs Specialist Quenton King: "We applaud the leadership of Sens. Kaine, Warner and Fetterman and Reps. McGarvey and Scott for standing up for coal mining families in Central Appalachia and beyond. Black lung is a terrible disease, and too many coal mining families struggle to access the medical benefits and compensation they deserve. As the cost of living in the country continues to rise, we have to take care of the miners who put their bodies on the line. These bills will help families navigate the black lung benefit system while finally putting the monthly disability benefit on a path toward fairness."

National Black Lung Association

Vice President Vonda Robinson: "We frequently hear from coal mining families in our communities that they feel the system is rigged against them. They have to fight tooth and nail for their black lung medical and disability benefits, all while fearing that a future decision might claw their black lung payments back from them. We need the system to be more fair for coal miners and their survivors. Congress must pass these bills so coal miners with black lung will have hope again."

Appalachian Citizens' Law Center

Director of Policy Rebecca Shelton: "Black lung disease is a horrible, occupational disease. It is preventable and shouldn't be the fate of any miner. The least we can do is try and make the federal disability benefits process more fair and less costly for miners and their families. Both these bills make significant contributions to that end and we're grateful for the leadership of Senators Kaine and Warner and Representatives McGarvey and Scott."

United Mine Workers of America

International President Brian Sanson: "For generations, the United Mine Workers have fought to make sure miners suffering from black lung are not left behind. But as this disease becomes more aggressive and impacts miners at younger ages, our laws must keep pace. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act and the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act strengthen a lifeline that thousands of miners and families rely on. These bills aren't just policy, they are about dignity, justice, and honoring the sacrifice miners make every day. The UMWA is proud to support these bills."

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Congressman Morgan McGarvey represents Kentucky's Third Congressional District, including Louisville and Jefferson County. He serves on the House Veterans Affairs, Small Business, and Budget Committees.