GOP blocks aid to 9/11 heroes, victims, Democrat erupts

Last night the House brought up, under suspension, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, a bill that would have provided up to $7.4 billion in aid to the survivors of 9/11, including all the first responders who breathed in all manner of toxins in the aftermath of the attacks.

Bills that are non-controversial are often brought up under suspension of the rules, which also allows leadership to block amendments. Given the huge popularity of this bill, Dems wanted to prevent Republicans from adding a typically insane amendment to make the vote more difficult. So, prevented the opportunity to make political hay because of this procedural move, the Republicans (and a few Blue Dogs) used that as their excuse to vote against the bill.

Which brought this, from Rep. Anthonly Weiner: "If you believe this is a bad idea, to provide health care, then vote no—but don’t give me the cowardly view that ‘if only it was a different procedure.'" Watch:

Those great patriotic Republicans who have been more than happy to use 9/11 victims and heroes as political props for years but when it comes time to do something for them, obstruction is more important.

There's ongoing discussion in nokona's diary.