An election year bill, backed in part by Illinois Senator Mark Kirk, that would fund retired miners pensions is facing resistance in the senate.

 

The bill is part of a 70 year old promise made to miners by the government to protect pension benefits.

 

Currently, retirement funds support about one hundred twenty thousand retired miners and their families nationwide.

 

But that fund is close to running out due in part to industry layoffs, competition from cheaper fuel sources like natural gas, and more strict environmental regulation.

 

Leaders in the Republican controlled Senate say they are unsure of bailing out union workers.