Sunday, December 19, 2010

Schumer pushing "new" bill to help First Responders after GOP shoots down first bill


GOP recently voted down bill that would tax off shore Corporations to pay for health bill that would help ailing First Responders.

The AP is reporting tonight 12/19 :

There's new life for a senate bill that would pay the health care costs for 9/11 first responders.

"The clock is winding down, but we believe we are on the verge of an 11th hour breakthrough.” Said Senator Chuck Schumer. “This has been a long process. It's like running a marathon. We've had a lot of ups, and a lot of downs, and now the finish line is in sight."

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a re-vamped version of the bill today. It costs less and changes the way the benefits would be paid for. Supporters are hoping to get a vote on the new bill by the end of the year. An earlier version hit a roadblock in the senate, but Schumer and Gillibrand are optimistic it will pass this time. Senator Gillibrand said:

"America will be watching very closely to how this Senate votes on something that goes to the fundamental issue of who we are as Americans and whether we stand by our heroes."

If the bill passes the senate, it would still have to go back to the house, where lawmakers already passed the original bill.

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