I'm sure I will be flamed for this, but why are family members testifying? Do they have expertise in knowing what happened or is still happening in a coal mine?

My husband works in a mine, but I really do not know the specifics of what goes on in there, or what procedures are followed. This whole "hearing" thing sounds fishy to me...Is there something I'm missing?

These families have my total sympathy, I can never imagine the horors they've been through, and totally understand why they want someting done. I simply want to know why they are 'testifying' about the safety practices. (At least, that's the impression I got from the article...)

I appreciate "I don't understand's" comment. Perhaps the men discussed their concerns for safety with their families. I hope the miners that know the facts will have the courage to come forward.

The families are testifying about how information about the disaster was delivered to them. Did they hear it from MSHA officials as mandated under provisions of the MINER Act 2006 or did they hear or see it on tv.
I think people can learn a lot from the miners family members, and hopefully it will be the last time our governemnt needs to learn this lesson.