Justin Amash has proven once again why he couldn’t get elected dog catcher anymore.
A bill was placed before the House that would provide money for survivors of 911. This includes first responders to help them with their medical bills related to the toxic waste from the World Trade Center. Justin Amash and just 11 other members of the House who rejected the bill.
402 members voted for the bill. The current fund was getting very low on money and this country owes it to the first responders to make sure they have the money for adequate medical care. It has been estimated that 410,000 people were exposed to dangerous dust from the 911 attacks.
Rep. Justin Amash was one of only twelve lawmakers who voted against the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which provides healthcare for victims and first responders from the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Amash recently left the Republican Party and has not ruled out running for president in 2020.
Despite Amash voting against providing help for those who are still suffering from illnesses and problems related to 9/11, the bill passed through the House with a whopping 402-12 vote. It will now move to a vote in the Senate.
The $7.4 billion in funds that Congress had approved for 9/11 survivors in 2015 has nearly run out, which lead to assistance being slashed for those who rely on it. The Never Forget the Heroes Act will extend the Victims Compensation Fund until 2090.
NYPD Det. Luis Alvarez, who was one of the first responders following the attack, recently died of cancer believed to be related to exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. His death was just weeks after he testified alongside comedian Jon Stewart in Congress about the importance and necessity of this bill. He was just 53 years old.
“It is my goal and it is my legacy to see that you do the right thing,” Alvarez told Congress.