The Senate action created huge uncertainty over the future of the bill. Its supporters were scrambling on Thursday to have the legislation inserted into a large tax-cut bill that Republicans and Democrats are attempting to pass before Congress ends it current session later this month.
But whether that happens is in part up to Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader. The bill’s backers are counting on Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York, a top Reid deputy and a supporter of the bill, to persuade Mr. Reid to go along with that idea.
Such a move might complicate passage of the tax-cut package, which contains another provision that Democrats, including President Obama, sought in return for supporting tax cuts Republicans wanted: an extension of unemployment benefits for jobless Americans.
In a vote largely along party lines, the Senate rejected a procedural move by Democrats to end debate on the 9/11 health bill and bring it to an up-or-down vote; 60 yes votes were needed, but the move received only 57, with 42 votes against.
Republicans have been raising concerns about how to pay for the $7.4 billion measure, while Democrats, led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, have argued that the nation [has] a moral obligation to assist those who put their lives at risk during rescue operations at ground zero.
Thank you, Republicans. Tax cuts for the fucking wealthy? Check. Having to be cornered in a monkey-knife-fight to extend jobless benefits? Check. Ignoring the sacrifice of thousands of real Americans? Check.
I love when the adversary eviscerates their support base. Of course, they learned from the master.
