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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are promising to block legislation that's needed to prevent the government from shutting down Friday at midnight.
The measure also includes funding to battle the Zika virus, and to help Louisiana rebuild in the aftermath of flooding.
Democrats want to pressure Republicans to provide money that would give Flint, Michigan, immediate help with its water crisis. Republicans have instead promised that the city will get help after the election.
Without progress on the Flint water issue, Democrats are poised to block the funding bill this afternoon. And that's a step that could increase the chances of a shutdown at midnight Friday.
They are pushing to reopen negotiations, and to add a measure passed by the Senate that would provide $220 million for Flint and other communities to replace water pipes and take other steps.
Democrats say it's unfair that the water crisis in Flint has gone on for a year with no assistance, while Louisiana is getting $500 million for floods that occurred just last month.
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218-w-37-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent, with Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.)--Senate Democrats are ready to block a spending bill that would keep the government operating past this Friday. AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports. (27 Sep 2016)
<<CUT *218 (09/27/16)££ 00:37
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