Congress poised to approve food safety legislation; 9/11 bill triggers criticsm of some GOP lawmakers

As Capitol Hill lawmakers continue working through the lame duck Congress, some Republicans are facing criticism for opposing the Sept. 11 responders bill. Meanwhile, legislators are poised to pass an overhaul to the nation's food safety system.

National Journal: Gillibrand Sees Enough Votes for 9/11 Health Bill
Sen. Kristen Gillibrand is hoping for a "Christmas miracle" even while insisting she and her fellow New York senator, Chuck Schumer, have enough votes to pass expanded health care benefits for 9/11 emergency responders (Kaplan, 12/20).

Los Angeles Times: GOP Lawmakers Face Criticism For Opposing Sept. 11 Responders Bill
Congressional Republicans are coming under growing criticism for their opposition to a bill that would provide medical care for Sept. 11 attack responders and survivors, including ailing police officers and firefighters (Mascaro, 12/21).

Politico On Congress Blog: Coburn May Block 9/11 Bill
The Oklahoma Republican and physician — known in the Senate as "Dr. No" for his penchant in blocking bills — told Politico Monday night he wouldn't allow the bill to move quickly, saying he has problems with parts of the bill and the process Democrats are employing (Raju, 12/20).

Los Angeles Times: Congress Poised To Pass Ambitious Food-Safety Bill
In a world where we get garlic from China, shellfish from Thailand and sugar cane from Mexico, Congress is poised to approve an ambitious food safety bill that would strengthen the nation's top regulator and impose new rules on domestic production and trading partners (Zajac, 12/21).

NPR: Food Safety Bill Nears The Finish Line. Really!
How many times do lawmakers have to pass a bill before it sticks? Three, apparently. At least in the case of food safety and the House of Representatives (Fulton, 12/20).