House resolution honors miners

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a resolution Wednesday honoring the miners lost and injured last month at the Crandall Canyon Mine.

Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, introduced the resolution, which passed the House by a voice vote.

"Today the House honors the missing and the dead," Matheson said. "We extend the condolences of our nation to their families. We recognize the many volunteers who rushed to their aid and who provided endless hours of compassionate support. And finally, we honor the proud heritage of coal mining families. Their skill, their hard work and their dedication contributes to the prosperity and quality of life that each and every one of us enjoys."

The resolution honors missing miners Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Jose Luis Hernandez, Juan Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips and Manuel Sanchez.

It also honors Gary Jensen, Brandon Kimber and Dale "Bird" Black — who died trying to reach the missing men — as well as others injured in the rescue effort.

"No American can doubt the courage and dedication of these brave men and women who work in darkness so that the rest of us can work with light," said Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, praised the "self-sacrifice" of those attempting to rescue the trapped miners and expressed sympathy for the families affected by the disaster.

---

E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com