July 30, 2010 -- Legislation to establish health treatment and monitoring programs for World Trade Center responders was narrowly defeated in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, H.R. 847, failed by a vote of 255-159 July 29.
Democrats voted 243-4 for the bill, with 7 absent.
Republicans voted 12-155 against the bill, with 11 absent.
The House considered H.R. 847 under procedures that required a two-thirds vote for passage, but the measure fell 21 votes short of a two-thirds majority.
“I am deeply disappointed and saddened that, despite our efforts and the hard work of the bill’s sponsors, the 9/11 Act failed to garner enough votes to secure passage,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “As we have all year, we will continue fighting to pass this crucial legislation to provide World Trade Center responders the care and benefits they need and deserve.”
Congress first established screening, treatment and compensation programs for 9/11 responders shortly after the terrorist attacks, and has continued to provide funding for the programs each year since. H.R.847 would strengthen the existing programs in three important ways. It expands coverage to include those who lived near ground zero, it makes the program an entitlement program so that it is not subject to annual appropriations and it reopens the Victims Compensation Fund so that people who became ill after the Fund was closed in 2003 can receive compensation.
Opposition stemmed from creation of a new entitlement program to concerns over funding. The program would be paid for by closing a tax loophole used by foreign corporations incorporated in off-shore tax havens from avoiding taxes on income earned in the United States.
Members of the New York delegation took to the floor to defend the bill and refocus the debate.
“If you believe that we owe a debt to the people who have served our country, this is your moment to repay it…. These people are entitled. They are entitled to our care. They are entitled to our indebtedness. They are entitled to what we are doing in this bill,” Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY) argued (see his testimony).
The legislation was sponsored by Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY), and enjoyed the strong support of IAFF Locals 94 and 854.
“Our two New York City affiliates did us all proud by leading the way on this important issue,” says Schaitberger. “Their tireless lobbying campaign pushed the bill to the top of Congress’ priority list.”
Despite the setback, the vote demonstrates that the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has the strong support of a majority of the House. The IAFF will push to reconsider the bill when the House returns from its August recess.
