Democrats: McConnell fix for miners’ health care inadequate
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats on Tuesday blasted a proposal by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to temporarily protect health care benefits for thousands of retired coal miners.
The benefits are set to expire at the end of the year, and McConnell said he is working with House Speaker Paul Ryan to include money for the miners in a short-term spending bill slated for a vote this week.
But Democrats said the GOP solution only lasts for a few months and does not protect pension benefits that also are at risk.