"The House [Thursday] afternoon passed water projects legislation and a continuing resolution to keep the government funded into next year, but the Senate path is unclear.

Some Senate Democrats, led by Joe Manchin of West Virginia, are threatening to hold up the bills in hopes of a deal to protect retired union coal miners' health care and pension benefits.

This afternoon, Manchin said that there were "no final decisions at all," but that he hoped to give miners at least a year of benefits."

Manuel Quiñones reports for E&E News PM December 8, 2016. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"House Sends Massive Water Bill To Senate" (Californian) [3]

"Senate Democrats Threaten Brief Shutdown Over Policies They Hope Trump Will Support" (Washington Post) [4]

"California Drought Bill Victory Could Be Short-Lived: Sen. Barbara Boxer Pledges Filibuster As One Of Her Last Acts" (Los Angeles Times) [5]

"U.S. House Approves Money For Flint Water Crisis, Bill Goes To U.S. Senate" (Michigan Radio) [6]