Senate, House OK 9/11 responders bill

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. House approved a bill that would provide $4.2 billion to first responders with health problems after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York.

The House approved the measure on a 206-60 vote Wednesday, clearing it for consideration by President Obama, CNN reported.

Earlier Wednesday, the Senate approved a compromise measure on a voice vote. The deal was worked out by Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla., The Hill reported.

The measure would establish a health benefits program for firefighters, police officers and construction workers who worked in the smoking remains of the World Trade Center for months following the collapse of the Twin Towers.

Many of the first-responders and cleanup crews were exposed to toxic substances that spewed into the atmosphere when the towers collapsed. The health benefits program also would help residents in the immediate area surrounding the towers who became ill after the attack.

The agreement would authorize a new health benefits program and extends the victims compensation fund for five years, and would reduce the cost of the bill from $6.2 billion to $4.2 billion, the publication said.

The legislation is largely paid for by a 2 percent fee imposed on companies based in countries that have not signed a government procurement agreement with the United States.