U.S. Representative Hal Rogers released a statement after Congress passed a short-term Continuing Resolution to avoid a government shutdown and extend health benefits for retired coal miners and their beneficiaries. The statement says “We are just days away from finalizing a comprehensive package to fund federal government operations for the rest of fiscal year 2017, and this extension will allow us to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The bill also extends the critical health benefits for our retired coal miners and their widows while we work toward a more permanent fix.” Rogers added they weren’t going to let down the miners who powered this nation for generations. The CR extends funding through May 5, 2017 and maintains the federal budget gap level of $1.07 trillion.