In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, thousands of first responders — firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and volunteers — spent months breathing toxic dust at Ground Zero. Many developed cancers, respiratory diseases, and other life-threatening conditions.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act provided healthcare and compensation for these heroes. But funding was set to expire. In 2015, a bipartisan bill to permanently extend the program needed Senate passage.
Mitch McConnell stood in the way. He called the permanent extension a "bailout" and refused to bring it to a floor vote.
The footage of comedian Jon Stewart — who had taken up the cause — tearing into Congress from the Capitol steps went viral. Still, McConnell held firm. Dying first responders, including NYPD detective Luis Alvarez, were forced to fly to Washington, D.C., repeatedly to beg for healthcare. Alvarez testified before Congress just weeks before he died. He asked, "You all said you would never forget. Well, I'm here to make sure that you don't."
The bill only passed after Jon Stewart's relentless public shaming made McConnell's obstruction politically untenable. It was one of the ugliest episodes in McConnell's career.
How It Harmed Americans:
Men and women who ran into burning buildings while everyone else ran out — who sifted through the rubble for body parts, who are now dying of 9/11-related cancers — were forced to spend their final months lobbying politicians for the healthcare they had been promised. Luis Alvarez spent his last days in Washington, D.C., instead of with his family. Some first responders died before the bill passed.
Reference List:
H.R. 1786 / S. 928, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (2015)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "World Trade Center Health Program" — statistics and enrollment
Jon Stewart's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee (June 11, 2019) and media coverage
Luis Alvarez testimony, "The Daily Show" and news coverage (June 2019)