Senate Passes Zadroga
December 22nd, 2010
The U.S. Senate passed a scaled down version of the Zadroga bill that will provide health care to 9/11 responders and survivors for a five-year period. Democrats held marathon negotiations with Republicans who opposed the expense of the bill. The bill originally provided $7.4 billion in funding over eight years but was shaved down to $4.3 over five. The bill must now be approved by the House.
Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand issued as statement calling the deal a “Christmas Miracle.”
“Over the last 24 hours, our Republican colleagues have negotiated in good faith to forge a workable final package that will protect the health of the men and women who selflessly answered our nation’s call in her hour of greatest need. This has been a long process, but we are now on the cusp of the victory these heroes deserve.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver issued this statement:
“This afternoon’s Senate vote literally will save lives. With the passage of the Zadroga bill, our brave and suffering 9/11 rescue workers and the thousands of Downtown residents who are also casualties of the attacks, have overcome the primary obstacle in their path to receiving the health care they so desperately need. I am pleased that Congress has acknowledged our moral and national obligation to care for the casualties of this tragic attack on America. I applaud Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congress members Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Anthony Weiner and the rest of our congressional delegation for their dedication and persistence in securing passage of this critical legislation. I look forward to President Obama signing this historic bill into law.”
By David King on December 22, 2010, 3:47 pmIn category: Albany, Crime & Safety, Eye on Albany, Health | No Comments »
