first responders

GOP Filibuster Defeats 9/11 Responders Bill in the Senate

Legislation to provide medical coverage to first responders on September 11 has pretty much lost its last chance to pass this session, in what Mayor Bloomberg has declared “a tragic example of partisan politics trumping patriotism.” Senate Democrats made an attempt to begin debate on the $7.4 billion bill with a procedural vote, but they didn’t have the 60 that they needed to beat the Republican filibuster. If you’re the glass-is-half-full type, focus on supporters who say they might try to bring the bill forward again before the year’s out, or might sneak it through in other legislation. Oh, Congress. [CNN]

GOP Filibuster Defeats 9/11 Responders Bill in the Senate