Senate GOP blocks bill to provide care for 9/11 responders

[Thrill]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a bill that would provide medical care for firefighters and other responders to the September 11, 2001, attacks who developed illnesses from breathing toxic, dust-filled air.

The 57-42 procedural vote fell short of the 60 needed to advance major legislation in the 100-member chamber. The House of Representatives passed the bill in September and Senate action is needed to send it to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The $7.4 billion measure was one of a number of bills Senate Republicans have blocked as lawmakers push to complete their work for the year.

Republicans have vowed to block any legislation, other than bills to fund the U.S. government, until an impasse is resolved over extending expiring tax cuts for virtually all taxpayers, including the wealthiest Americans.

Republicans argue that allowing the tax cuts for the wealthiest to expire at the end of December as scheduled would hurt small businesses and undermine the sluggish U.S. economy.

They also have balked at the cost of the health measure.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_usa_congress_firefighters

File this as another you won't hear on your nightly news. LOL.

[dkf]

1. Yeah these guys are going to extend unemployment.

Gimme a break.

[bigwillq]

2. K and R (nt)

[dennis4868]

3. And people here....

And liberals on TV think Obama can fight and force the repubs to not fillubuster a bill that includes tax increases for the wealthy....Obama should "fight" they say....you can't fight when there is no fight to be had.

[Clio the Leo]

4. Hello? Glen Beck? Hellooo? nt