Anthony Weiner shook up Congress on July 29 when the Democratic congressman from New York blew his top in a speech in the chamber. Weiner was furious at Republicans who mustered to defeat the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. For 9/11 rescue workers and New Yorkers sick from toxic dust and debris at ground zero, the Democratic bill calls for billions of dollars in medical aid. Weiner, along with his Democratic cohorts, accused Republicans of cowardice, among other things. Republicans accused Democrats of more large government investing.
9/11 health care bill facts
A majority of lawmakers within the chamber supported the 9/11 health care bill. But the New York Times reports the 255-to-159 vote fell short of the two-thirds margin needed. To bring the measure to the floor, a special rule required that a two-thirds bulk was needed. To monitor and address incidents stemming from exposure to dangerous dust and debris at ground zero, the 9/11 health care bill would have provided $3.2 billion over the next eight years. Another $4.2 billion would be set aside by the bill to compensate for economic losses.
Democrats play games with two-thirds majority
Anthony Weiner went into a rage on the House floor once 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.
Procedure used by Republicans as reason to oppose the bill
Weiner cracked at the lecture when he got word that Republicans blamed procedure for their no vote. 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. That led to Weiner’s one-and-a-half minute tirade. 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 is 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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