House Passes 9/11 Health Bill

On Wednesday the House passed a bill that, if it becomes law, would allocate $7.4 billion to treat 9/11 rescue workers and New York City residents who have suffered illnesses from breathing in fumes, dust and smoke, and otherwise toxic materials at ground zero. Thirteen Republicans supported the measure, which passed with a 268 to 160 vote. The legislation would, over the next eight years, give $3.2 billion to treat the illnesses related to 9/11 debris and dust exposure, and 10 percent of those costs would be paid for by the city of New York. In addition, $4.2 billion will be allotted for the reopening of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, which compensates and cushions job and economic losses. Republicans took issue with the costs of the bill and the government doling out more money for health care with a ballooning deficit.