Dems Threaten Government Shutdown Over Miners' Benefits

I’m wondering if coal country is going to notice that neither the President-elect or Republicans in Congress seem very interested in making sure miners get the pensions and health care that they deserve. In fact, the only ones seemingly standing up for the miners today are two Democrats, Joe Manchin and Sherrod Brown. The government will shut down on Friday unless Congress passes a new spending bill and the current bill being considered only extends health care benefits for retired miners until April. Democrats want to ensure that the funding at least extends through the end of next year and does not become part of the budget battle that is certain to take place in April. According to Brown, Democrats have determined to stand firm against a bill that does not do that, although it is still unclear whether they can hold their caucus together and keep the Senate from reaching the 60 vote threshold for cloture. If Democrats do hold the line, Republicans would have to find a way to compromise or risk another government shutdown. And it would be difficult for Republicans to blame the shutdown on Democrats who are only standing up for benefits for miners. And maybe then the voters in coal country would see who really has their interests at heart.