New Molly Ivins
Thanks to David Chen of The New York Times for catching one little horror that might have gone unnoticed. "Senate Rejects Plea for Extra Year of Filing for 9-11 Awards." Only 60 percent of the families who suffered losses on 9-11 have so far filed for compensation, presumably because of the notorious confusion and difficulty surrounding the process, with massive amounts of paperwork required. The deadline is Dec. 22, and administrators of the Victim Compensation Fund have been scrambling for weeks to encourage families to apply -- language difficulties and in some cases lack of citizenship make it even more complicated and frightening for some.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey tried a classic tactic just before adjournment -- going to the Senate floor and asking for unanimous consent. Couldn't get it. Republican leaders opposed.
Here's an immortal quote from F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wisc., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee: "The chairman views the extension as unnecessary and has concerns that it would provide a disincentive for people to file." Uh-huh.
Compassion, just in time for Christmas!