Dems expect 9/11 'first responders' bill to pass today

CongressDaily: "At the urging of what one aide called 12 'pushy' New York lawmakers, House Democratic leaders plan to bring to the floor today legislation that would extend healthcare aid to 9/11 first responders. ... The $7.4 billion measure would provide health monitoring and treatment benefits to first responders and survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. ... The bill's supporters told the leadership they want to challenge Republican opponents of the measure to cast another recorded vote against it and force them to defend those votes. House Republicans have said the bill creates 'a massive new entitlement program' and oppose the reopening of the compensation fund." (Fung, 9/29).

The Hill: "The bill is expected to get the 218 votes needed to pass; it garnered 255 votes in July when it came up under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage" (Pecquet, 9/28).