A plan to ensure long-term funding to address health needs stemming from the terrorist attacks fell to the wayside after President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk objected to a bipartisan budget deal. By Lisa Friedman and Maggie Haberman. December 23, 2024
Summarized using ChatGPT: A plan to secure long-term funding for the health needs of those impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was excluded from the year-end spending bill following objections from President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The bipartisan proposal, initially championed by New York lawmakers and included in a broader budget deal, would have extended funding for 9/11 first responders and victims through 2040. However, the measure was removed after Trump criticized the bill as bloated and Musk urged Republicans to reject it, threatening political backlash. The final bill, passed to avert a government shutdown, omitted provisions for the health fund, disaster relief for victims, and an increase in the debt limit.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed disappointment over the decision, with Democratic leaders like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Jerrold Nadler vowing to reintroduce the measure in upcoming budget negotiations. Critics, including New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, directly blamed Musk and Trump, accusing them of prioritizing political maneuvering over the well-being of first responders. Advocates for the program emphasized the urgency of securing permanent funding, highlighting that over 130,000 individuals, including firefighters, police officers, and volunteers, continue to suffer from severe health conditions stemming from their exposure at Ground Zero.
Note: At its October [2024] meeting, the IAFF Executive Board, by a margin of 1.2%, voted to not endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Fuck around and find out.
