MARY LOUISE KELLY, Host: NPR's Frank Langfitt reports on the prospects.</s>FRANK LANGFITT: Joe Main, the government's head of Mine Safety, told a House hearing yesterday that proposed legislation would make it easier for the government to shut down dangerous mines and better protect whistleblowers.</s>JOE MAIN: Many miners won't speak up about safety problems for fear of losing their jobs. We are resolved to changing that culture of fear.</s>FRANK LANGFITT: George Miller, a California Democrat who oversees the House Education and Labor Committee, summed up the view of many.</s>GEORGE MILLER: The fact of the matter is the current law isn't working.</s>FRANK LANGFITT: But Congressman John Kline, a Republican from Minnesota, cautioned against making new laws before several investigations determine what caused the explosion last April at a Massey Energy mine.</s>JOHN KLINE: Frank Langfitt, NPR News, Washington.
For the second time in four years, Congress is considering tougher mine safety laws after 29 men were killed this spring in a massive explosion in West Virginia. Mine Safety and Health Administration director Joe Main told lawmakers the bill would bring "a culture of safety" to the industry.