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 9/11 health care bill is a Democratic plan to provide billions of dollars for health care to 9/11 rescue workers and New York residents sickened from the toxic dust and particles at ground zero. Weiner, along with his Democratic cohorts, accused Republicans of cowardice, among other things. Republicans accused Democrats of more large government spending.
The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
The 9/11 health care bill had support from a majority of the lawmakers within the chamber. But the New York Times reports that the 255-to-159 vote fell short of the two-thirds margin needed. Under special rules used to bring the measure to the floor a two-thirds bulk was needed. The 9/11 health care bill would have provided $3.2 billion over the next eight years to keep an eye on and treat 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.
Two-thirds majority ploy backfires on Democrats
Anthony Weiner vented his frustration in a speech 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 reports that Democrats used rules requiring a two-thirds majority to speed up the vote. Looking ahead to the November elections, Democrats feared Republicans trying to embarrass Democrats would attach toxic changes in a simple majority vote. No such tinkering is allowed under the two-thirds rule.
Republicans say procedure gave them no choice but to vote “no”
Weiner exploded at the lecture when he got word that Republicans blamed procedure for their no vote. CBS News reports that Peter King, Republican congressman from New York, called democrats afraid for not voting on their amendments, and said by holding the vote they were staging a charade. 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 instead of 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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