Congressional measure stalls in U.S. Senate with Democrats blaming Republican delay tactics
At a bill signing today, Gov. Christie in this file photo said he supports the 9/11 health bill, as long as it's done in a fiscally responsible way. WAYNE — Gov. Chris Christie defended fellow Republicans amid criticism that the GOP is holding up legislation to provide health benefits to 9/11 rescue workers, many of whom live in New Jersey.
"I don’t think my party is opposed to this bill," Christie said at an event in Wayne today. "This bill should be done, but it should be done in a way that is fiscally responsible."
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), a vocal advocate for the health bill, criticized Christie’s comments.
"It is beyond shameful that Gov. Christie is dismissing the 9/11 health bill as fiscally irresponsible," Lautenberg said in a statement. "The truth is that the bill will not add one penny to the deficit."
The bill would provide additional benefits to those first responders, like police and firefighters, who later got sick from inhaling tainted air at the site of the World Trade Center after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The bill has stalled in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats have pointed to Republican delay tactics.
The prime sponsors — U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.) — worked to bring down the price tag, but only a few days remain before Congress adjourns for Christmas. Without passage this week, supporters will likely have to start over in a new Congress that will have a Republican-controlled House.
The current bill already cleared the House. The only member of the New Jersey delegation to oppose the bill was Republican Rep. Scott Garrett.
When asked about the legislation last week, Christie deferred, saying it was a federal matter. Asked again yesterday, this time with the caveat that he’s a "rising star in the Republican Party," Christie reiterated his position that it’s a federal issue.
"I believe it’s the responsible and humane thing to do," the governor said. "There has to be a responsible way to pay for this, and they need to come to an agreement to pay for it."
When asked about proposals that would fund the bill by closing some tax loopholes, Christie said it was an issue he’s not following that closely, adding he’s been busy with state matters.
According to the New York City 9/11 health registry, meant for doctors to track illnesses related to the disaster, there are 8,158 New Jerseyans in the registration, the second highest state after New York.
"This legislation would help thousands of New Jerseyans, many who rushed into the inferno and paid for their heroism with their lives and debilitating sickness," Lautenberg said. "While several of us in the United States Senate today met with first responders, family members and friends of those seriously ill from exposure at Ground Zero, Gov. Christie today chose to adopt the political party line."
Public relations between Lautenberg and Christie have been heated. Lautenberg criticized Christie for canceling the rail tunnel under the Hudson River and the governor responded by saying the senator could only "blow hot air."
Christie’s office wouldn’t respond to Lautenberg’s latest criticism.
"There’s no need to expand on what the Governor said just because Frank Lautenberg wants to seize the moment just to politicize it," Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak said in an e-mail.
Previous coverage:
• U.S. Republicans block $7.4B health care bill for sick 9/11 responders
• U.S. Senate postpones vote on bill providing $7.4B in health care for 9/11 responders
• Editorial: Abandoned in their time of need: GOP blocks bill to aid first responders