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Obama Signs 9/11 First Responders Bill

Printed copy traveled from Washington to his Hawaii vacation rental

By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2011 5:27 PM CST

(Newser) – A bill that traveled one long road journeyed a wee bit farther before reaching its end today: President Obama signed the 9/11 health bill into law—in Hawaii. To get it there, a printed copy flew with a White House staffer from Washington to the island of Oahu, and then continued on to Obama's vacation rental in Kailua, reports CNN.

Sen. Charles Schumer praised the signing, saying, "The heroes who rushed to Ground Zero in the hours and days after the attacks will not be forgotten. These first responders were like veterans, and this law keeps with a time-honored tradition of standing by our veterans when they get harmed answering the call. We will begin work immediately to make sure this law gets renewed for another five years."

James Nolan, a construction worker and 9/11 first responder, sits outside the construction site where he is currently working.
James Nolan, a construction worker and 9/11 first responder, sits outside the construction site where he is currently working.   (AP Photo/David Goldman)
James Nolan, a construction worker and 9/11 first responder, stands outside the construction site where he is currently working.
James Nolan, a construction worker and 9/11 first responder, stands outside the construction site where he is currently working.   (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Marianne Pizzitola, president of the FDNY EMS Retirees Association, is pictured at her home.
Marianne Pizzitola, president of the FDNY EMS Retirees Association, is pictured at her home.   (AP Photo/John Amis)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 22 comments
nostereotypes
Jan 3, 2011 11:22 AM CST
Carson said it better than I could.... im sorry hr...but this bill has just about pushed me over the edge...i see absolutely nothing compassionate about this...maybe its because im not a democrat or a republican...but getting congress to appropriate enough funds to build 8 state of the art hospitals without building 8 state of the art hospitals and then using the victims like a political baseball bat turns my stomach jon was so upset he couldnt articulate...yes...he was also so upset he could not name a single legitimate charitable organization helping these responders...to upset to call out the unions that let these workers be fired...to upset to demand that the insurance companies that owe them healthcare be hauled into court...to upset to ask his loving caring viewers to help them...and unless he is to proud to admit it...to upset to open up his own checkbook
TessTalks
Jan 3, 2011 11:15 AM CST
Bravo to President Obama, for once AGAIN getting legislation passed that helps American citizens. And, the DISGUSTING BEYOND BELIEF AWARD goes to the Republicans who fought tooth and nail to stop this 911 Health Care Bill from getting passed, in addition to many, many other laws that would benefit Americans. The GOP is only interested in passing legislation that benefits the rich and big business.
hrumble
Jan 3, 2011 2:16 AM CST
Never should there be a more unifying newser article. Something all users and commenters, whatever your political background, can agree is a good thing. As for the Republicans who blocked this bill, may they burn in hell. ... YAY JON STEWART!!!

 
Barack Obama • first responders • bill signing • Zadroga bill • Obama in Hawaii

 
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