Manchin urging colleagues to block funding bill as shutdown looms

[yallerdawg]

"Coal Country" Democrats taking a stand!

Source: The Hill, by Jordain Carney

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is urging his colleagues to block a short-term government spending bill with hours left before the government shuts down.

Spokesman Jonathon Kott on Friday confirmed that Manchin is calling his colleagues and asking them to oppose the continuing resolution (CR) over an entrenched fight on miners healthcare.

The CR includes a four-month extension of health benefits for thousands of miners and their families, but Manchin and other Democrats want that extended to a year.

Unless Manchin backs down, the Senate won't be able to take a vote until Saturday morning, blowing the Friday night deadline to avoid a government shutdown.

CNN's Manu Raju has ongoing real-time reporting.

More at: http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/309659-manchin-urging-colleagues-to-block-spending-bill-ahead-of-shutdown

[Wellstone ruled]

1. First shot across the bow.