Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton hammered Congressional Republicans for allowing 9/11 responder healthcare to expire so that they could use it as a bargaining chip in negotiations to keep the federal government open.
In a statement, Clinton said, “It is a disgrace that Republicans in Congress allowed the Zadroga 9/11 Health Act to lapse and used its reauthorization as a bargaining chip in negotiations to keep the federal government open. Thankfully, Congress is finally moving forward on renewing the promise of health care we made to our heroes. It is about time. Too many of those who responded on 9/11 and in the days that followed are still suffering lasting health effects for their courage and bravery in the face of tragedy. We must continue to honor and keep faith with their sacrifice. There is no commitment more sacred than the bond we share with those who put their lives and health at risk to keep us safe. This is a commitment from which I will never waver.”
In other words, Republicans intentionally let healthcare for 9/11 responders lapse so that they could hold the program hostage as part of the package that lifted the oil export ban. Some priorities need to be placed above politics. For Republicans, the health of 9/11 responders was not one of those priorities.
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Clinton was right to rip the Republicans. Their behavior was a total disgrace. 9/11 responders have been left with serious permanent health issues that will require long-term care. It was despicable beyond belief that Republicans would without needed services from those who risked their lives on one of the most horrific days in American history so that they could acquire a gift for big oil.
As Jon Stewart said when he lobbied Congress earlier this month, “This is stupid and embarrassing. These guys should never have to come down here again.”
Republicans value big oil more than those who risked their lives on 9/11. Hillary Clinton’s statement demonstrates that she is a person of higher character than the Republican slaves to the special interests who are serving in the current Congress.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
