WPIX 11 - December 20, 2010
by FEMI REDWOODThe battle continues on Capital Hill where families of 9/11 first responders are still trying to convince Washington to give them a help out. They're hoping the 9/11 James Zadroga Bill will pass in time for Christmas. The bill will provide much needed healthcare to people who became sick after working in the World Trade Center dust.
Mayor Bloomberg will gather a group of city leaders and first responders to push for the passage of the bill.
Bloomberg will sit down with members of the Congress, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, first responders and union leaders on Monday Morning. The meeting will be held at City Hall at 10:30 AM
The bill could gain some much needed support from the GOP now that several changes have been made to it. New York State Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer are offering a cheaper version to the original bill. Gillibrand and Schumer say they are hopeful and optimistic that the Senate will approve the measure before the lame duck session ends. Schumer said he expects to have victory by the end of the week.
On Tuesday, a group of 9/11 responders will meet outside the White House to urge President Barack Obama to get involved in the fight.
