Mayor, New York Delegation Push For 9/11 Health Care Bill

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Mayor, New York Delegation Push For 9/11 Health Care Bill

Mayor Michael Bloomberg headed to Washington Tuesday in an effort to persuade Republican senators to support the health care compensation bill for first responders to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The mayor joined Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with several congressmen, labor leaders and activists, to ask the U.S. Senate to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
"New York, and every other state in this nation, is counting on the U.S. Senate to do the right thing and do it right now," said Bloomberg. "Two months ago, we observed the ninth anniversary of 9/11 and before you know it, the 10th anniversary will be upon us. We cannot wait any longer for action on this legislation."
"Nine years ago, no one would have believed that our country could leave these heroes behind," said the state's junior senator. "This should not be a partisan debate."
The measure is named for James Zadroga, a city police detective who died from a respiratory illness his family says he contracted at the World Trade Center site.
It has already passed in the House of Representatives and needs to pass in the Senate's lame-duck session. Otherwise, the process would have to start from scratch in the new Congress.
"These politicians know that there are people out there taking their last breath. They're on oxygen taking their last breath, hoping to get compensation for their family," said Joseph Zadroga, James’ father.
"At the Concert for New York, my cousin, Mike Moran, who is a firefighter at 3 Engine down on 13th Street, told Osama Bin Laden that he can kiss his royal Irish . . .," said Congressman Joseph Crowley. "I'm not going to say that any senator who doesn't vote for this bill can kiss anything, but I will be thinking it."
Earlier in the day, Bloomberg met with Illinois Senator-elect Mark Kirk, Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown and Maine Senator Susan Collins – all moderate Republicans who could give the bill enough support to pass.
Democrats need one senator to cross the aisle to break a possible Republican filibuster.
Some Republicans have expressed concerns about the cost of the Zadroga bill.
It would provide more than $7 billion in aid to rescue workers and first responders sickened by exposure to toxic dust after the towers fell.
According to lawmakers, $3.2 billion would be spent over the next eight years to monitor and treat injuries. Ten percent would be paid by the city.
Also set aside is $4.2 billion to reopen the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for compensation for job and economic losses.
First responders also have until November 18 to sign on to the city's multimillion-dollar settlement offer. For it to take effect, 95 percent of workers need to accept the settlement.
Meantime, a funeral was held Tuesday for an NYPD officer who police say died from a rare form of cancer after working at the World Trade Center site.
David Mahmoud, 49, was laid to rest in Patchogue with many of his fellow officers in attendance.
After the service, the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association reiterated the New York delegation's call on Congress to act and provide health care for first responders.
"We lost 23 on that day and we've lost more police officers since September 11th. Dialogue, discussion and debate is over. Stand up like men and women and vote 'aye' and take care of those that took care of you," said PBA President Patrick Lynch.
Mahmoud leaves behind his wife and three daughters.