I agree with Mayor Bloomberg on this one. It is a disgrace to allow partisan politics to stand in the way of something as vital as health care for September 11 first responders. It's not just Republicans and it's not just Democrats. There's plenty of shame for both sides of the aisle.

Hey, Washington: Your failure to pass the Zadroga Act is one of many reasons no one trusts you. If you don't have our September 11 heroes' backs, how could you have anyone else's?

By a vote of 255-159, the House failed to pass a bill that would've provided $7.4 billion in aid to people sickened by September 11 World Trade Center dust. The James Zadroga Act failed to win a two-thirds majority required for passage, with all 159 no votes coming from Republicans.

The vote last night led to a screaming match on the House floor between Queens Democrat Anthony Weiner and Long Island Republican Peter King. Both parties accuse the other of playing politics over how the bill was put before the chamber. Mayor Bloomberg called the vote a "disgrace." What do you say?

What's your reaction to the defeat of the Zadroga Act? What do you think of Congressman Weiner's angry outburst on the House floor? Should the bill become law?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

This is Roz from the East Village.

This bill needs to be passed. These people were true heroes -- "Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for another" We need legislative reform. Time after time important bills don't get passed because they are cluttered up with other legislation. We need to have single subject, clear bills, than will pass on their own merit. This is politicians vs. heroes. Shame on the politicians. Shame, shame, shame.

This happen for a reason, I guess people will abuse this act and use 911 WTC dust act to get over, and I guess it didn't went through.

Anna
Kips Bay

I am outraged and appalled that Congress failed to pass the James Zadroga Act that would have aided the first responders who are suffering health conditions. These people gave their all to come to the aid their country in a time of need and helped searched for survivors and helped clean up ground zero.. Now Congress is not coming to aid these brave Americans in their hour of need and all because of political differences. I only can say that I'm ashamed of Congress who are suppose to be representing the people who elected them into office. What ever happen to that nation of the people, by the people and for the people?

Freddy
Glen Oaks Village

I fully agree with Congressman Weiner’s reply over the failure to pass the 9/11 hero health bill. He’s only saying what I feel is a travesty with Congressional Republicans. This partisan nonsense has got to stop;. 9/11 hero’s are sick and dying while congress, both the house and senate republicans, continue their obstructive behavior.

What I find interesting is that Republicans say that they’re rejecting new funding bills that are not funded. An easy way to fund these needed programs, and reduce the deficit, is to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire. These tax cuts were not and still are not funded and contributed to the mess that we’re in now.

Whereas I’m not happy with either side, the Republicans are truly behaving in a disgraceful manner.

Anonymous

The Republicans have finally gone too far. Weiner is right. The right- wing would happily destroy the country if it would bring the Democrats down.

Andy

How come this Weiner didn't show all of this anger towards Bloomberg instead of the news anchors when he was asked if he was running for Mayor. He has been completely out of control for quite some time now. If any of us acted this way for instance even at a local meeting we would be marched out.

What is this with Bloomberg and his reaction. He should be involved completely with everything to help us get out of the mess we are in. We don't need a parrot to answer for us. He still sounds like a babbling brook. I also love when I see him while surfing the airwaves not only babbling but it looks like he is talking to the wall.

ALL OF YOU HANGERS ON GIVE IT UP ALREADY IT'S MORE THAN TIME FOR SOME NEW FACES. GO GET A JOB ALREADY

maxxiee
mp

What a disgrace to humanity is Peter King! He should be ashamed to call himself a "representative" of ANYTHING let alone the citizens of this great state of New York. It is absolutely the WHOLE country's responsibility to support and PROVIDE long term health care for ANYONE who helped at the former WTC on that terrible day and all of the days until their help was no longer needed. For crying out loud, what on earth is Peter King thinking?!? His constituents should organize a recall of is sorry butt.

Mr Weiner makes me proud to be a New Yorker, a U.S. Citizen, and a human being. It was thrilling to hear him tell that fraud low-life, poor excuse for a man, from Long Island to sit down and shut up! Anthony Weiner is the kind of person we need in the White House. Bless his heart. May he live a long and happy life!

Peace,
Nick
Hell's K.

Finally, a job that Monseratte, Espada, and others can succeed at. From your rundown Ringling Bros. is holding auditions for "CLOWNS" for their circus! Now that's what I'm taking about! No academic credentials required! Too bad that they were holding the auditions in Brooklyn...should have held them in ALBANY where the could have gotten a better turn out !

Kathy from Throggs Neck da bronx

They're all shameful. Peter KIng is the worst.

Rich
Midtown East

Shame on Congress! They use 9/11 in speeches to rouse crowds and do nothing more than add to the air pollution with their self-serving dribble. Our uniform services were there on 9/11 and for months afterward putting their lives and health in jeopardy. We owe them. So Congress, get off of your lazy, tired asses and vote to give these people help. There should be no bills attached, nothing. Help those who help us help ourselves. Call me a disgusted voter who will be voting in November.

james
astoria

Its sad but true - Like Weiner grabbing on to anything he thinks will get him re-elected -With the Power he has He has nothing to really enhance the safety and money situations in NY like stopping illegals at the Human resource buildings as they have no civil rights they are not Americans

Colleen
Rockaway park

Weiner is a member of the chosen party the party of conscience, the DEMOCRATIC Party so as a man of conscience he is appalled at the end justifies the means evil republic party. Remember this vote America, this is what the mugwumps stand for absolutely nothing. Its all a game to them. How would they feel if that bearded reptile attacked them. The GOP is clueless, devoid of ideas and self-hating. Sarah Palin, Im still laughing she can walk but shes learning to chew gum.

JS
Flushing

I understand being passionate about the issue, but, Mr. Weiner and others need to understand that the purpose of "voting" is to let the people vote!...could you, would you? Mr. Weiner must have forgotten himself and thought that he was at BURGER KING where you get to "Have it Yourway" all of the time!

Just because it looks like things aren't going the way that he would like them to go doesn't give him the excuse for having a tirade that looked more like a scene from a daycare center. "I want my toy now!" He needs to be put in the timeout chair bigtime . Outrage like that can lead to a heart attack. He had better not get any complaints from his new wife regarding anger management or he will have a video that will put him in the "Hall of Shame" with the likes of Hiram, drag em by the hair, Monseratte and Mel Gibson. Time to take a chill pill and get a grip.

Kathy from Throggs Neck da bronx

Where's the disgrace???? How many people are we going to continue compensating?? One NYFDY Lieutenant went on disability from 911 only to take the city and state for a ride he's a triathlon athlete! Were those who worked at ground zEro patriots or carpet baggers? There are legitimate cases. But let's get real! What's about families like mine that inhaled the pile night and day till it was extinguished! The constant roaring of fighter jets over head at night! I did experience post 911 stress. I would wake up cold sweat and all Bad nightmares. My family did not sue or look to collect a dime from a tragic and national attack on our country!! This is an outrage! I want to. Know we come under attack again god forbid! Will we have to put legal stipulations on who and what can respond or protect our country.

Dw
Queens.

Sure tells us where we stand, doesn't it? Thanks, "America." To our Hometown first responders: We honor, admire, thank, love and cherish you. Thank you for your sacrifices. How dare those Republicans do this? And if it were their constituents?

Liz from Sunnyside

I may be mistaken, but was under the impression most of the brave folks working on the WTC pile downtown were members of the uniformed services, and further that members of the uniformed services get some of the most generous health, disability and pension benefits around.

So what is this federal "9/11 Health Bill" intended to cover? Is this just for the "pain and suffering" they endured as a result of injuries and illnesses sustained because of their work? If it covers medical, disability, etc. expenses, wouldn't it be duplicating coverage they already have?

Ellie - Turtle Bay

It takes a total of 218 favorable votes to pass a bill however, we have "244 democrat and 11 republican yes votes" =255 here and it still didnt pass! Why? Because the Demogogs raised the total number of favorable votes to pass the bill to 290. The demogogs could pass it without the republicans even showing up!!! If its such a great bill and the demogogs with the majority are in favor of the bill why not pass it? Because they want to get as many republicans to vote yes as they can so they can have someone else to point the finger at and blame when it comes back to bite them. The republicans didnt vote for the bill because there were no provisions that would exclude illegal immigrants an they were afraid that there were not emplimentations to prevent fraud.

I do enjoy a good screeming match on the house floor though. Its good to see intensity about an issue.

RC

Peter King's disgusting behavior is an excreable example of partisian politics. It's right up there with that idiot who called the President a liar during the State of the Union Address. I would like to hear from those that voted for this poor excuse for a man; are they proud of his actions? I know they live on Long island and will not likely be calling in or writing, but who are these people who would elect such a hate monger? Shame on Peter King and his ilk.

Bravo Anthony Weiner!

John
Manhattan

I am so grateful to Rep. Anthony Weiner for his passion and dedication and intelligence and courage...... To quote a radio broadcaster I agree that the Democrats cannot deal with the destructive Grand Obstructionist Party......You have to get into gear and run them over." The worst part of all this is that so many people are being tricked into voting against their own best interests.

Carmela, Downtown Brooklyn

I don’t see why we the people have to pay to treat health problems of so-called 9/11 first responders.

Some came voluntarily and should be responsible for their own health and rely on their own health insurance, if they had any.

Others came because they were hired and paid for handling emergencies. I’m speaking of the police and firemen. They should rely on their own insurance policies and any help provided by their unions.

The government’s robbing of Peter to pay First Responders is morally wrong.

If anyone should pay, it is the terrorists themselves and every government that supported and sponsored the terrorists who flew planes into the WTC, the Pentagon and who knows what by the plane that went down in Pennsylvania.

Joe
Port Richmond, SI

I agree these guys should be taken care of. After all we take care of the families of drug dealers. But, I cannot understand how the republicans are taking a hit on this. Our fellow democrats hold a majority of both houses. It is the democrats fault this did not pass, not the republicans...but demonize who you will I guess.

Frank

For once I agree with The Emperor. The whole thing disgusts me. Little wonder the chaos Albany is in, when you consider that they can't even see beyond party politics and just do the right thing. Well, maybe New Yorkers should do the right thing come the next election. It would serve them right to lose their jobs.

Keith, Inwood

I totally blame Peter King for the defeat of this bill. Instead of playing politics, he should have rallied his Republican members to vote up or down on this. I used to be a big admirer of King but ever since 9/11 he has turned into a political animal. He followed George Bush's lead and labeled everybody who voiced an opinion contrary to Bush's as anti-American - and King continues this mantra. He does not deserve to represent the people of Long Island.

Kathleen

I'd like to know what kind of pork barrell add ons were attached to this bill. If the bill solely provided for health care for 911 responders I doubt very much the GOP would challenge it. Instead of ad nauseum replays of Anthony Wiener's temper tantrum, the media would better serve us by divulging what was added to that bill to chase away Republican cooperation.

Barbara
Manhattan

BRAVO! To Congressman Wiener for standing up against the business as usual bull in politics. The lame pols try to negotiate everything and some things are just not negotiable - such as denying benefits to those who sacrificed and died for us.
I wish C-Wiener would now focus on getting Rangel kicked out of office and into a rent control retirement home. It's people like him and Espada (state gov)that give our city and state a bad name and set our citizens back.
How can we continue to allow these people to stay in office I'll never know.

Sandy - african american female on Upper West Side

I live with someone who posts here and I feel that one loudmouth per family is enough but I am really surprised by some of the comments. How can anyone who lived through the events of September 11th 2001 and the aftermath, call into question those people who went down there to try to help? Please look into your heart and soul and see that not everyone is trying to steal money or game the system, and that many of these "first responders" and the folks that came down later to help feed and comfort those very responders; Cops, Firemen, Red Cross volunteers, and the many many regular Joe's and Jane's who pitched in, are still suffering and truly do need assistance - medical, financial, and psychological, and god know's what else...
What is this city (and country) coming to if we deny help to these people? What if someday YOU needed help? Wouldn't you gladly and graciously accept and thank your lucky stars?

NYC
Bill

I think that this is a total disgrace and a major blow to all who have been and are still suffering from 9/11. The people who should be fully responsible and held accountable are those who said in their own way: "We do not care" simply put.
I blame fear, and more for this. If i was congress I'd would totally say what I feel and keep speaking until everyone would be in agreement with me as far as this bill, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS at all. This was wrong and it makes me sick from what i heard!

Christopher G.

I always liked Anthony Weiner, the man has courage, we need more leaders who are not afraid to shout and fight for us.

Jim
St. George, SI

The stimulas package is for people effected by the economy and not war reperaton. Look bloomberg politics only works in new york. I know plenty of people jeolous. Stop hating.

Joe from newark

Weiner in essence is right but give us a break.
He is either grandstanding or doing a screen test for Scent of a Woman II.
"Stand Down Colonel Weiner"

Jack, West Side

Peter King is 100% right -- the Democrats in Congress can pass any bill if they choose to. Why fear the Republicans? If the democrats had a pair, they would pass their agenda and face the consequences in November. Also, why can't we change the procedures in DC where a bill in it's original form only needs a majority vote to pass, but any amendment added to needs needs 60% of yes votes to be added to it. Again, the democrats are in control and can change the procedures, but they are afraid to. Also, why did it take Congress NINE years to even address it?

Thanks,
John

Every Republican should remove those flag pins from their lapels that magically appeared after that dreadful day. As far as seeking Bloombucks help. . . you have to be a tourist in order for him to help you.

Norm Upper Eastside

The whole congress should be ashamed of itself. As a first responder I already know at least 2 fellow officers who have died because of complications from 911.
Let them stop playing politics and help me & my co-workers.

Dave
Brooklyn

It's not too late for all New York delegation in Congress to come back to the drawing board and find another way to do the right thing here.

George
Lefrak City

I want Weiner watching my back!
I know for a fact that NYPD working at the site for 2 years with no masks; they were told the site was safe by various institutions and our representatives VOTED NO!!!!
I HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN, SEND THE REPUBLICANS IN TO CLEAN UP THE MESS THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS!!!
AFTER WATCHING WEINER; HE'S GOT MY VOTE!!!

JEANNE FROM BROOKLYN

The Democrats presented the bill in the manner they did to expose the Republicans "No To Anything Obama" strategy. It worked. Now, they (the Democrats) need to get to business (which apparently they will do) and re-introduce the bill with a simple majority vote. Both sides are playing politics at the expense of the people affected.

John G.
Brooklyn

Out all the people that died, didn't any Republican died too?
People should be taken care of anywhere in the world regardless what their sickness or illness are.
In the USA all the Hospital cannot deny any that walks in so why denied those who help in the biggest disaster in the USA.

"Doctor 13"

I agree with Mayor Bloomberg that the failure to pass the James Zadroga Act is a disgrace and I also agree with Congressman Weiner's angry outburst. The House should be ashamed to call themselves Americans. I really believe that most of them don't really care what happened on 9/11 because it didn't happen in their backyard. But I am not really surprised with their decision because most of them don't really care about our veterans either. When it comes to elections in November, remember to oust everyone of those Congressman that voted against this Act. We expeditiously need fresh blood to run our government in the future.

Ralph/Bay Ridge

Let the Republicans push their racist, anti-immigrant agenda openly on some other piece of legislation. This was not the time or the place. Democrats, although they have plenty of problems, were doing the only thing they could do.
Can we pass a law against Republican BS by simple majority?

AK
East Village

We want heroes, don't we? We want someone to risk it all to save the helpless, right ?
So why can't we figure out how to reward their heroic deeds with the very basics ---what about their rights now that they need all of us ?

Chris
Whitestone

We can spend BILLIONS of dollars building bombs to drop down chimneys half a world away, but when it comes to taking care of the heroes who helped on 9/11 we won't spend any money. The bill will take another few years to actually pass, but half of the heroes who helped will be dead by then.

Tim S.
Upper East Side
Manhattan

Both sides ARE NOT to blame - it is the Republicans.
If this bill gave the wealthy top 1% more of an ability to ride the working people of this country to the bank unfettered by the "pesky" government, the Republicans would be tripping over themselves to vote "yes."
But the fact is - Republicans are only concerned with working people when they need them for photo-ops.
The Democrats could not pass this bill by a simple majority because the Republicans would have loaded this bill up with poison-pills and more goodies for their true constituents - the wealthy top 1%.
Please ask your viewers to name ONE SINGLE BILL - ANY BILL - that the Republicans have introduced solely to benefit the middle class? You can't - because THERE IS NONE. THEY DON'T WORK FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS. Republicans don't get out of bed in the morning unless they can further widen the gap between the rich and poor and continue to make the U.S. the LEAST upwardly mobile country in the industrialized world.
The Republicans were the ones who told the first responders that the air quality at Ground Zero was fine - that was only to get Wall Street up and running for their wealthy benefactors...
Now they want the 9/11 first responders to "die quickly."

Tara

If we the people don't protect. The people here, we aren't equipped to run any country. It's not about Obama it's about being humane. Think about it. Really we don't need congress. They have only complicated our lives. (Especially for the last 2 years) I say..... we fire them!

KR

The bill should become law. Just because nine years have almost passed since 9/11, it doesn't mean that we are all healed mentally and physically. Far from it.

Rosalie from Canarsie.

The bottom line is that it didn't pass. I am not surprised, we don't have congressmen, we having control freak lawyers illegally holding office. This is especially true because the government should have provided masks pure and simple states have a department of health to oversee the well being of its citizens and it failed miserable here. They were negligent. I mean, this is a slow and horrible decline Skinner's monkeys. They are faking like you stinking thinking monkeys believe. If those heros did not act in our behalf the toll of deaths would have been a lot higher and the fact that they turn around it this is not passed, something is wrong amigos! As far as Anthony Weiner, they'll try to ruin him next, but he stood up and questioned, God Bless and we should be grateful because he is a senator first and a good man.

Eileen

What happened was a disgrace. This was treated as partisan politics. This should have been done as the humane thing to do This should have been unconditional with no special attachments, driven by special interests, or political leverage for a "cast vote". All those people, who were at that Site are dying, and have ailments that require expensive medical treatment that they cannot afford to maintain what health they have left. They are owned that dignity.

Thor 9

Why don't you discuss the facts on why this bill failed?
a/ The bill was extremely weak in requiring medical confirmation / documentation of health issues for first responders to get compensated for exposure at Ground Zero .
b/ The amendments as added by the Democrats would also have funded illegal aliens getting medical assistance.
EVERYONE wants LEGITIMATE CLAIMS paid, but this bill was set up to suck up hundreds of millions if not billions of our tax dollars for potentially massive fraud.
The Democrats knew if they put the bill up for a regular vote that the above issues would be discussed and that the amendments would be subject to votes (especially on the payments to illegal immigrants).
Pelosi ordered the bill to be voted under "suspension" to eliminate all debate even though she knew full well she couldn't get enough votes to pass the bill as written, and she did this so she could simply blame Republicans and that her Weiner and her media lapdogs would back her up.
You want to blame someone for screwing up compensation for our heroes at Ground Zero? BLAMME PELOSI.

JP
New York