Yesterday's Ground Zero news wasn't only about mosques—the nearly $11 billion James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was approved by the House of Representatives' House Energy and Commerce Committee, 33 to 12. But there was a fair amount of opposition from Republican members, like Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) who said, "By making this a new mandatory program, you jeopardize the financial health of the United States of America."
The Daily News reports that Rogers also said, "Are you going to raise somebody's taxes when they're barely able to make their house payment? I can't believe for one minute that you're willing to jeopardize the financial health of every single American." Which upset first responders: Retired firefighter, who suffered from thyroid cancer, said, "To tell us that people won't be able to pay their mortgages and their bills because of us - that hurt." And then Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Florida) wanted to add an amendment to prohibit terrorists from taking advantage of the health care, leading one first victim to say, "Isn't it laughable? We're not the terrorists - the terrorists attacked us."
The legislation will be voted on next Tuesday by the House Health Subcommittee. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) said, “Tuesday’s vote will be a giant step toward the finish line for the Zadroga Act, and we are hopeful it will pass with strong bipartisan support. It’s been nine long years since the attacks. Congress must finally step up to the plate and provide long-term health care and compensation for the heroes and survivors of 9/11. We have a moral responsibility to provide care for those who lost their health because of the attacks on America --it’s simply the least this great nation can do."
