December 18, 2025 - Democrats from coal-heavy states on Tuesday reintroduced legislation that would make it easier for coal miners who have black lung disease to access health and financial benefits and hold more mine operators accountable. 

The bills arrive as a growing number of former miners, unions and health advocates pressure the Trump administration to impose federal rules to better protect workers facing a scourge of deadly diseases caused by silica dust.

Reps. Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky and Bobby Scott of Virginia joined Sens. Mark Warner of Virginia and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania to reintroduce the “Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act."

The bill, according to a fact sheet, would adjust miners’ benefits for inflation, help survivors secure legal representation, and expand assistance at clinics and at the Department of Labor.

The bill would also improve miners’ access to benefits and CT scans, and increase civil penalties for a greater number of mine operators that fail to secure benefits.