Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka on

House Vote on 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

"The AFL-CIO is deeply disappointed by the failure of the House of Representatives to pass the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 847).

 

 While the bill received a strong majority vote with 243 Democrats and 12 Republicans supporting, it did not reach the two-thirds level required for a vote on suspension.  We thank Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jerry Nadler and Peter King for their leadership and all of those who supported the bill.

 

Helping the thousands of 9/11 responders and others who are now sick as a result of their exposures at the World Trade Center should not be a partisan issue.  But sadly, the majority of House Republicans voted against this bill, even though its costs were fully paid for as required under the PAYGO rules by closing a tax loophole for foreign firms that operate in the United States.  It appears that some Republicans and business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, are more concerned with protecting the interests of the foreign based companies who try to avoid paying taxes than helping those who answered the nations call on 9/11.

 

This vote is a disappointment, but should not be a set back.  An overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives supports this bill.  We call upon the Democratic leadership in Congress to move and pass this bill under the regular rules, this week or immediately upon the return of the House in September. The ninth anniversary of September 11 is just weeks away.  The 9/11 heroes have waited long enough."