Anthony Weiner, Democratic congressman from New York, drew focus to himself for going ballistic within the House of Representatives July 29th. When Republicans blocked passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, he lost his cool. The Democratic plan calls for billions in medical aid for 9/11 rescue workers and New Yorkers ill from toxic dirt and debris at ground zero. Weiner and his Democratic colleagues accused Republicans of cowardice. More big government spending was the predictable Republican response.
9/11 Health and Compensation Act particulars
The 9/11 health care bill got a bulk of votes, but did not pass. But the New York Times reports that the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed, 255-159. A two-thirds margin was necessary under special rules that were used to bring the measure to the floor. The 9/11 health care bill would have provided $3.2 billion over the next eight years to observe and take care of wounds stemming from exposure to toxic dust and debris at ground zero. The bill also would have set aside $4.2 billion to reopen the Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide payment for any job and economic losses.
Democrats maneuver for two-thirds majority
Anthony Weiner went into a rage on the House floor after it became clear that Republicans had enough votes to defeat the 9/11 health care bill. The New York Daily news called the two-thirds bulk rule a Democratic plan to speed up the vote. A simple majority vote, Democrats feared, would allow Republicans to attach amendments intended to embarrass them with elections coming this fall. Fiddling with amendments isn’t allowed with a two-thirds majority vote.
Republicans use procedure as an excuse to vote “no”
When he heard Republicans using the use of the two-thirds majority rule as their explanation for voting no on the 9/11 health care bill, Weiner exploded at the lecture . CBS News reports that New York Republican Peter King said Democrats were staging a charade by holding the vote because they were afraid to vote on controversial amendments. King’s comments led to Weiner’s 90-second fulmination. Republicans listened to him call them cowards for opposing the bill merely because of procedure:
“It’s Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes,” Weiner yelled. “It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this can be a bad idea to provide health care – then vote no! But do not give me the cowardly view that ‘Oh if it was a different procedure’…”.
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