WASHINGTON (AP) " Lawmakers from coal-mining states are pushing to extend health benefits for more than 22,000 retired miners and widows whose medical coverage is set to expire at the end of April. But as a Friday deadline looms to keep the government open, lawmakers have not reached agreement on extending the benefits. A plan pushed by GOP leaders in the House would extend health benefits for 20 months, through the end of 2018. For the moment, Congress appears focused on health benefits. In West Virginia, about 8,500 retired miners and their families face loss of benefits if Congress does not act.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 22, 2017 06:45 UTC