U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on the Republican-led Senate to bring the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to the floor as a standalone bill.
“Once this bill passes the House, there will be only one person who stands between the brave first responders now suffering from cancer and illness, and the money they need to save or extend their lives – and that one person is leader McConnell.”
Schumer says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell buried previous attempts to extend the fund permanently in other failed legislation.
Proponents say the measure would cover the medical treatment of first responders and survivors of the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Legislation to extend the fund through 2090 cleared the House Judiciary Committee this week. It’s expected to pass the House.