Politics

Republicans Block Passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

By Karina

Tonight the House considered the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (HR 847) under suspension of the rules to provide medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. It also reopens the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide monetary compensation for those physically injured by the 9/11 terrorist attacks or by response activities and debris removal. Speaker Pelosi in support:

The American people are looking to us to do the right thing for the people, the men and women who answered the call of duty and continue to suffer from ill health effects on their service. It is my understanding that the people affected by this live in 433 of the 435 Congressional districts. Because people not only rushed in from New York and surrounding areas, they came and brought their expertise and their health from all over the country. And therefore, the consequences of their bravery are felt all over the country, and the impact on their health is an important part of the challenge that they face and that we owe them for.

This legislation fulfills our obligation to those Americans. Helping those who jeopardized their health to rescue others, secure necessary medical treatment, especially for the unique exposures suffered at Ground Zero, ensuring survivors and victims? families can attain compensation for their tragic losses through a reopened 9/11 victim compensation fund. My colleagues, you all remember that following 9/11, there was a compensation fund established for those families of those who lost their lives. Well, many of these people are losing their lives. They certainly have lost their health. And we owe them.

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) took to the floor to respond to Members on the other side of the aisle offering excuses for opposing the bill explaining, “if you believe this is a bad idea, to provide health care, then vote no?but don’t give me the cowardly view that ‘if only it was a different procedure’”:

The final vote was 255-159 in support of the bill, short of the 2/3 majority needed for passage under suspension of the rules. 155 Republicans voted against the legislation.

Learn more about the bill»

The Speaker’s full remarks: (more…)

Full post as published by The Gavel on July 29, 2010 (boomark / email).