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Senators reach tentative deal on Flint water crisis aid

Senators from both parties have reached a tentative deal to address a water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and allow a long-stalled energy bill to move forward.

A proposal by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Republican Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma would authorize $100 million in emergency aid to fix and replace the city's lead-contaminated pipes, as well as $70 million in loans to improve its water infrastructure.

The deal also authorizes $50 million nationwide to bolster lead-prevention programs and improve children's health.

Stabenow and Inhofe declined to comment Wednesday, but Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas said a deal was being finalized.

Flint's drinking water became tainted when the city switched from the Detroit water system and began drawing from the Flint River in 2014 to save money.

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