9/11 rescuers to get health cover

2010-09-30 11:54
line

kalahari.com

Washington - The US House of Representatives approved legislation on Wednesday covering health care costs for rescue workers and volunteers sickened by the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

The measure would cover the costs of treatment for police officers, firefighters, volunteer rescue workers and others who assisted victims or who searched through rubble after the attacks on the World Trade Centre.

An estimated 70 000 people were exposed to toxic fumes or substances from the collapse of the Twin Towers.

"We promised to help those who spent days, weeks and months doing hard work, our government and the American people expected them to do in the recovery effort," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote.

"And we pledged to do everything in our power to ensure that their health and well-being would be taken care of.

"We did not want them to be unsung heroes. We want them to be recognised heroes. Today we are here to honour that pledge. It's long overdue."

The bill, which was approved by a vote of 268 to 160 and whose cost is estimated at $7.4bn, must still be approved by the Senate and get signed by President Barack Obama before it can become law.

Some Republicans objected to the measure because it calls for new taxes on American companies that use offshore operations to reduce their tax obligations.

But Obama praised the House for passing the bill and said he would sign it if it clears the Senate.

"We will never forget the searing images of September 11 2001. And we will never forget the selfless courage demonstrated by the firefighters, police officers and first responders who risked their lives to save others," he said in a statement.

The president said the medical monitoring and treatment the bill ensures a "critical step for those who continue to bear the physical scars of those attacks."
 

Read more on:    barack obama  |  us  |  9/11 attacks

Need to get out of debt? Click Here

inside news24

Log in to personalise news, weather and listings.

Latest comment in World

zaatheist says... ..... and thank goodness for that. Read the article...

Weather
Traffic
Lottery

Weather in your area

[change area]
Cpt: 14-19°C A few showers. Partly cloudy. Mild. Pta: 12-28°C Sunny. Pleasantly warm.
Jhb: 9-25°C Sunny. Mild. Bloem: 8-28°C Sunny. Pleasantly warm.
Dbn: 17-26°C Sunny. Mild. PE: 14-26°C More sun than clouds. Warm.
7 day forecasts...

Jobs[change area]

Cars[change area]

TOYOTA

Quantum 2.5 D 10-s Dsl Bus MY07
2011
R 349,950.00

CHEVROLET

Spark 1.2 5-dr
2011
R 127,900.00

MITSUBISHI

OUTLANDER 2.4 GLS AT
2004
R 145,800.00

Property[change area]

Travel - Look, Book, Go!

Book Now!

Save 30% when you stay at Protea Hotel Sea Point! Price now R1999 pps sharing (normal price R2900). Cape Town Escape

Free Games - TOO MUCH NEWS? TAKE A BREAK!

Kalahari.com - shop online today

Save on electronics

Save up to R1500 on electronics at the Spring Sale. 24hr delivery. While stocks last. Buy now.

Hot New Releases On DVD and Blu-ray

Get the best of the best DVDs from R90.95. 24hr delivery on new releases. Buy now!

Lost In The Fall

The Dirty Skirts' 3rd effort is a turning point - a transition of sorts into a new direction, and it's a good thing that it's come about now. Buy now.

An Inconvenient Youth

Read all about Julius Malema and the 'new' ANC by Fiona Forde. Buy now.

FIFA 12

FIFA 2012 available on most formats. From R278.95. Pre-order now.

Kalahari Ads[change area]

Are you tired of schemes that don't wo

If you are tired of get-rich-quick promises that don't work. If you understand that investing now will produce freedom in the future. Then I'd like to

DEFINITELY WORTH LOOKING AT

Through our services and products we will assist you to achieve your goals. We will help you become all you were born to be. This program can also sh

Small Furnished Sandton Apartment

Small one bedroom apartment located in Atholl Sandton. It was free internet, secure parking, one bedroom, lounge and kitchenette combination, two bat

Twilight Saga @

R49 a book

Get your copies of this Stephenie Meyer series while stocks last. Buy now!

Visit www.kalahari.com for millions of books, music, DVDs, games & more!

A local community where you can meet people, upload photos, videos and loads more...
There are new stories on the homepage. Click here to see them.