Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Washington, Aug 2, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A severe verbal clash ensued in the House of Representatives on Thursday night in which a Democratic plan to provide aid to ill rescue workers and residents of New York City affected by 9/11 attacks was being discussed. As the bill providing funds for healthcare and compensation to the people who were rendered sick due to the toxic dust and debris in the ground zero, was blocked by the House Republicans, New York Democratic Representative Anthony Weiner launched in a tirade against the opposing party.

During a rather dramatic, 90-second speech, the 45-year-old Democratic politician stated that the Republicans were wrapping their arms around each other instead of taking the initiative to do the right thing. As the House voted down the bill, Rep. Anthony Weiner vehemently added, “It is a shame. A shame!” while emphasizing that if the House considers providing health care isn’t a good idea then it should directly vote no rather than putting forward the view that “Oh, if it was a different procedure.” Despite the fact that majority of lawmakers showcased their support to the bill, the 255-to-159 vote that it received was less then the two-third margin that was required under special rules to bring it to the floor. On Thursday night, 12 Republicans and 243 Democrats gave their support to the bill while 155 Republicans and 4 Democrats opposed the measure.

The bill that was rejected in the House would have provided $3.2 billion medical assistance over the next ten years as well as $4.2 billion in compensation to the 9/11 rescue workers who had to face various ailments from the dust and debris that they breathed at Ground Zero.