The Sago Mine explosion trapped and killed 12 men even after the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) cited the mine more than 200 times in 2005.

Amber Helms' father died in the mine and questioned why anyone was allowed inside.

"If they had that many violations I don't care how small, they shouldn't have had the mines open in my opinion," said Helms.

Those kinds of questions prompted Congressman Alan Mollohan, (D) West Virginia 1st District, to ask for an investigation into the federal agency that gave those citations.

"Asking that he initiate oversight hearings with regards to this particular mine disaster and also how MSHA is carrying out its responsibility," said Mollohan.

Mollohan says he wants to make sure the federal regulators are enforcing regulations and getting the proper tools to do the job.

"There are indications the president's requests for funding for MSHA are way down. There are reductions in the number of employees, the number of inspectors at MSHA," said Mollohan.

Mollohan says he does not want to jump to conclusions and will wait for a completed investigation.

Barbara Anderson, NEWS9