WASHINGTON _ A new government funding agreement permanently protects orphan miners' health care, but doesn't resolve pension shortfalls that also worry coal workers.
Legislative leaders have agreed to the provisions as part of a $1 trillion government funding bill, and rank-and-file members are expected to approve it later this week.
More than 22,600 retired miners whose employers closed or declared bankruptcy will lose health benefits imminently if Congress doesn't intervene.
"For thousands of coal miners who suffer from black lung, as my father did, this funding for health care is as important as a breath of fresh air," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who grew up in Pittsburgh.
Leaders of United Mine Workers of America called the long sought agreement "tremendous" news that will bring peace of mind to retired miners and their families.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., is among the lawmakers who pushed for the measure.
"While securing permanent health benefits for our coal miners is a strong step in the right direction, I won't stop fighting until we've secured a pension fix as well," Casey said in a written statement.
