Today, the Senate passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed through Senate. The measure had previously passed through the House.
There is speculation on why it passed through the Senate after having been shot down just days ago. Some people think it might have something to do with The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart’s hilarious political jabs at the Republicans who filibustered the bill.
It really makes you wonder what the catalyst was. After all, the bill was rewritten removing over $2 billion in cost. Republicans have caught a bad rap on the whole deal…maybe they realized how damaging the bad press could get.
Then again, maybe the nay sayers just did the right thing…we may never know.
Previous coverage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act on FireCritic.com here and here. Rambling Chief also offers coverage here.

Photo from CNN.com. In the years since 9/11, respiratory and mental health issues have been a concern for firefighters and other first responders.
CNN.com:
Washington (CNN) — The Senate on Wednesday passed a compromise version of a bill to provide free medical treatment and compensation to first responders of the September 11 terrorist attack.
The bill passed on a voice vote on what is expected to be the final day of the lame-duck session of Congress. It now goes to the House, which also is expected to approve it and send it to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.
Jubilant Democrats hailed the last-minute approval as a triumph for firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to help others in the 2001 terrorist attack.
Related Video:
Rep. King: Coburn Wrong on 9/11 Health Bill
GOP lawmaker responds to senator’s opposition to legislation
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com
Previous Coverage on The Daily Show Below
Daily Show: Republicans Block 9/11 Health Care Bill
Republican senators refuse to vote on the 9/11 health care bill until wealthy Americans receive an engraved notification that their taxes won’t go up.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
Republicans Block 9/11 Health Care Bill | ||||
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Daily Show: Lame-as-F@#k Congress
Here’s a tribute to a few Republican senators who find comfort and advantage in invoking the heroes of 9/11 but refuse to give them health care.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
Lame-as-F@#k Congress | ||||
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Daily Show: 9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster
9/11 first responders express their thoughts on Mitch McConnell’s tearful sendoff of a retiring friend and Jon Kyl’s reasons for why the Senate can’t work after Christmas.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster | ||||
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Daily Show: Worst Responders
Senate Republicans filibuster the Zadroga bill but pass tax cuts for the wealthy, which is great news for firefighters who make over $200,000 a year.
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
Worst Responders | ||||
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