Sen. Robert Taft and John L. Lewis debate coal mine safety legislation at a Senate Committee hearing

During a Senate subcommittee hearing, John L. Lewis proposed that the United Mine Workers take responsibility for mine safety, contingent on the repeal of Taft's statute. Senator Taft countered, arguing that the Taft-Hartley law was irrelevant to mine safety legislation. The debate highlighted legal challenges faced by unions under the Taft-Hartley Act, concluding with a handshake between Lewis and Taft.

What did John L. Lewis propose regarding mine safety?

• To abolish all existing mine safety laws.

• To allow the United Mine Workers to manage mine safety.

• To increase penalties for unsafe mining practices.

• To have the government take full control of mine safety.

What condition did Lewis mention was necessary for the United Mine Workers to take action on mine safety?

• Repeal of Bob Taft's slave statute.

• Support from the mining companies.

• Approval from the President.

• A new safety code from Congress.

How did Senator Taft view the relevance of the Taft-Hartley law in the mine safety discussion?

• He believed it was crucial to the discussion.

• He thought it was a distraction and irrelevant.

• He felt it needed to be amended.

• He considered it supportive of Lewis's proposal.

What was the main point of contention between Lewis and Taft?

• The financial implications of mine safety.

• The need for new mining technology.

• The relevance of the Taft-Hartley law.

• The role of the government in mine safety.

How did the debate between Lewis and Taft conclude?

• With a handshake.

• With a public apology.

• With a heated argument.

• With a vote in the Senate.