Senate Democrats failed Thursday to win a procedural vote to open debate on a bill that would provide medical benefits and compensation for emergency workers who were first on the scene of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The motion for cloture, or to begin debate, needed 60 votes to pass due to a Republican filibuster, but fell short at 57-42 in favor.
While supporters said they would try to bring the bill up again, either on its own or as part of other legislation to be considered, the vote Thursday jeopardized the measure's chances for approval in the final weeks of the current congressional session.
The House previously passed the bill on a mostly partisan 268-160 vote.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg reacted to Thursday's result by calling it "a tragic example of partisan politics trumping patriotism."
"I urge Senate Republicans to reconsider their wrong-headed political strategy and allow the bill to come to the floor for a vote," Bloomberg said in a statement.
Republicans complained that the $7.4 billion price tag was too high, while Democrats said the government had an obligation to help the first responders to the deadliest terrorism attack in U.S. history.
Zharen
So this tells me that if a disaster or an attack was to ever happen on my side of the coast, I better not involve myself or try to help people in need. Cuz if I contract asbestoes, then I'M ED.
The17sss
I want to read up on this before commenting. There has to be more involved than "Republicans are evil and have no compassion for suffering 9-11 victims". I'll get back to you later ;)
WhooCares
quote:
Originally posted by The17sss
I want to read up on this before commenting. There has to be more involved than "Republicans are evil and have no compassion for anyone that disagrees with their views". I'll get back to you later ;)
fixed
:p
Comrade Stalin
Meanwhile in China...
yukii
quote:
Originally posted by Comrade Stalin
Meanwhile in China...
LOL!! You found it!! :gsmile:
The17sss
Ok I've done a little research. Some good arguments against passing this bill- for example, it is for a total of $7.4 billion, but nobody has any actual idea what the true costs will be, and want those figures cleared up before allocating that much money. That sounds reasonable, considering it's basically a slush fund that would give $1 million to 74,000 people... people who already have received millions of dollars. Where does it end? The construction companies who held contracts carried insurance and that's who should pay, not the taxpayer. Something reeks of ulterior political motives here but I can't put my finger on it.
Joss Weatherby
lulz insurance companies paying out claims... funny .
Republicans hate Americans, it is as simple as that. They should just pony up with Assange in selling out this ing country.
The17sss
quote:
Originally posted by Joss Weatherby
lulz insurance companies paying out claims... funny .
Republicans hate Americans, it is as simple as that. They should just pony up with Assange in selling out this ing country.
:stongue:
You're so absurd that sometimes I don't believe you're even a real person.
Joss Weatherby
quote:
Originally posted by The17sss
:stongue:
You're so absurd that sometimes I don't believe you're even a real person.
What, that Republicans have no problem selling the citizens of this country for a few measly bucks?
Republicans don't hate America, they just hate the people in it. Well... I guess hate is not a good word... They do not value the common man, besides the blood and sweat of the workers and what can earn them an increase in their net worth.
Joss Weatherby
Don't worry Kev, I am trying to corner the market on Patriotism for the left, maybe with a bit of the cultural revolution thrown in for good measure. ;)
The17sss
quote:
Originally posted by Joss Weatherby
What, that Republicans have no problem selling the citizens of this country for a few measly bucks?
Republicans don't hate America, they just hate the people in it. Well... I guess hate is not a good word... They do not value the common man, besides the blood and sweat of the workers and what can earn them an increase in their net worth.
Here's a tip: work hard and be successful so you don't have to be stuck on the dole. Anyone can do it. Where would "the common man's" plethora of benefits/entitlements be if not for the evil money makers?
