Paul said he objected because any program that would last decades “should be offset by cutting spending that’s less valuable. Paul’s objection angered Democrats, who have been able to muster bipartisan support for the bill, which has 73 co-sponsors in the Senate. [Tears, anger at congressional hearing seeking extension of victim fund for 9/11 responders]“I am deeply disappointed that my colleague has just objected,” Gillibrand said. The 9/11 victim compensation bill passed in the House, 402 to 12, following the death of a former NYPD detective, Luis Alvarez, who testified last month about the urgent need to replenish the fund. Stewart has become the celebrity face of the effort to make the 9/11 fund permanent, and has said he plans to return to Congress when the Senate votes on the issue.

Source: Washington Post July 17, 2019 17:44 UTC