9/11 health care bill vote shoves Anthony Weiner over the edge

Anthony Weiner made headlines July 29th when the Democratic Congressman from New York abandoned composure in a speech on the house floor. When Republicans blocked passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, he lost his cool. For 9/11 rescue workers and New Yorkers ill from toxic dust and debris at ground zero, the Democratic bill calls for billions of dollars in medical aid. Republicans were accused of cowardice and more by Weiner and his Democratic allies. Republicans accused Democrats of more big government spending.

What’s in the 9/11 health care bill

The 9/11 health care bill had support from a majority of the lawmakers in the chamber. But the New York Times reports how the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed, 255-159. Under special rules used to bring the measure to the floor a two-thirds majority was needed. To keep track of and address wounds stemming from exposure to dangerous dust and debris at ground zero, the 9/11 health care bill would have provided $3.2 billion over the next eight years. To compensate for job and economic losses, one more $4.2 billion was set aside within the bill.

Democrats insist on two-thirds majority

After it was noticeable that Republicans had enough votes to wipe out the 9/11 health care bill, Anthony Weiner erupted in a speech on the house floor. The New York Daily news called the two-thirds majority rule a Democratic program to speed up the vote. Democrats, with their eyes on the November elections, feared Republicans would humiliate Democrats by affixing toxic amendments in a simple majority vote. Fiddling with amendments isn’t allowed with a two-thirds majority vote.

Republicans use procedure as an excuse to vote “no”

Weiner erupted when he heard Republicans using the use of the two-thirds majority rule as an excuse to vote no on the 9/11 health care bill. CBS News reports that Republican congressman Peter King of New York accused Democrats, too afraid to vote on controversial amendments, of staging a charade by holding the vote. King’s comments led to Weiner’s 90-second fulmination. He shouted at Republicans, calling them cowards for voting no because they did not like the procedure:

“It’s Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes,” Weiner yelled. “It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this is a bad idea to provide health care – then vote no! But do not give me the cowardly view that ‘Oh if it was a different procedure’…”.

Find more details on this subject

nytimes.com /

nydailynews.com

cbsnews.com