GOP Rep. opposes sick Sept. 11 worker fund

WASHINGTON, April 2 (UPI) -- A California congressman said Wednesday he has reservations about a proposed new fund for rescuers sickened by the 2001 terror attacks, not supporting victims.

At a hearing in Washington Tuesday, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., balked at the idea of a new compensation fund for emergency responders who fell ill after the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, the New York Daily News reported.

Issa insisted the airliners that crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York were not weapons. He suggested the cause of illness for the responders was simply debris from the collapse of the towers.

"It simply was an aircraft, residue of two aircraft and residue from the materials used to build this building," Issa said.

Issa issued a statement Wednesday clarifying his position.

"During (Tuesday's) hearing, I asked tough questions. ... I continue to have reservations about the specific bill (Tuesday's) hearing focused on and I have questions about the appropriate way to determine federal and local responsibility to victims," Issa said. "I want to make clear that I strongly support help for victims who suffered physical injury as a result of an attack on America, including support from Congress and the federal government."