Senate Passes Coal Mining Bill; House To Add Drug Testing.

This article reports that the U.S. Senate passed a bill to strengthen coal mining safety regulations and impose oversight requirements for the federal agency that regulates the industry. The House readied its legislation that will include a provision to require drug testing of miners. The bipartisan Senate bill is the first piece of mine safety legislation to pass either chamber. The bill, which passed by unanimous consent, would require the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to review emergency response plans every six months. The bill also increases the maximum fines for safety violations and permits MSHA to close mines when the fines are not paid. In addition to the mandatory drug testing for all mine workers, the House bill would establish a grant program to fund the installation of communication and breathing devices as well as grant MSHA power to subpoena witnesses.