Why Anthony Weiner went ballistic over the 9/11 health care bill

Anthony Weiner made headlines July 29th when the Democratic Congressman from New York abandoned composure in a speech on the house floor. Weiner was angered at Republicans who mustered to defeat the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The 9/11 health care bill is a Democratic plan to present billions of dollars for health care to 9/11 rescue workers and New York residents sickened from the toxic dust and debris at ground zero. Weiner and his Democratic acquaintances accused Republicans of cowardice. Republicans accused Democrats of more large government spending.

9/11 Health and Compensation Act particulars

The 9/11 health care bill had support from a majority of the lawmakers in the chamber. But the New York Times reports the vote fell short of the two-thirds majority needed, 255-159. To bring the measure to the floor, a special guideline required that a two-thirds majority was needed. Funding of $3.2 billion for the next eight years would are provided by the 9/11 health care bill to provide medical care for injuries and illness linked to toxic dust and particles at ground zero. Another $4.2 billion would be set aside by the bill to compensate for economic losses.

Democrats maneuver for two-thirds majority

Just after it was obvious that Republicans had enough votes to defeat the 9/11 health care bill, Anthony Weiner erupted in a speech on the house floor. The New York Daily News reports how the two-thirds bulk rule was a Democratic ploy to speed up the vote. A simple majority vote, Democrats feared, would allow Republicans to attach amendments intended to embarrass them with elections coming this fall. The two-thirds majority rule won’t allow fiddling with amendments.

Procedure used by Republicans as reason to oppose the bill

When he heard Republicans using the use of the two-thirds majority rule as their reason for voting no on the 9/11 health care bill, Weiner exploded at the lecture . CBS News reports that Republican congressman Peter King of New York accused Democrats, too afraid to vote on controversial amendments, of staging a charade by holding the vote. King’s comments led to Weiner’s 90-second fulmination. He shouted at Republicans, calling them cowards for voting no because they didn’t like the procedure:

“It’s Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes,” Weiner yelled. “It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this can be a bad idea to provide health care – then vote no! But don’t give me the cowardly view that ‘Oh if it was a different procedure’…”.

Additional reading

nytimes.com /

nydailynews.com

cbsnews.com