An election-year bill to protect health care and pension benefits for about 120,000 retired coal miners and their families is one step closer to a vote in the full Senate.
The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure Wednesday, 18-8. Six Republicans, including Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch of Utah, joined all 12 Democrats in endorsing the bill, which supporters say would save lives and honor a 70-year-old promise made by the federal government.
