news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051115/ap_on_go_co/sept11_aid
AP 'Promise Broken': NY to Lose 9/11 Aid By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer Tue Nov 15, 6:21 PM ET WASHINGTON - Congressional budget negotiators have decided to take back $ 125 million in Sept.
New York officials had sought for months to hold onto the funding, origin ally meant to cover increased worker compensation costs stemming from th e 2001 terror attacks. But a massive labor and health spending bill moving fitfully through Hous e-Senate negotiations would take back that funding, lawmakers said. "It seems that despite our efforts the rescission will stand, very sadly, and that is something of a promise broken," said Rep.
voting record ), R-NY, said the congressman also had been told New York would lose t he funding in whatever compromise version of the spending bill finally r eaches the floor. The tug-of-war over the $125 million began earlier this year when the Whi te House proposed taking the money back because the state had not yet sp ent it.
Health advocates said the mon ey is needed to treat current and future illnesses among ground zero wor kers. The Senate voted last month to let New York keep the $125 million, but th e House made no such move. House and Senate budget negotiators then deci ded to take the money back, lawmakers and aides said. Top New York fire officials recently lobbied Congress to keep the funding . Fire and police officials say they worry that many people will develop long-term lung and mental health problems from their time working on th e burning pile of toxic debris at ground zero and they want to use the m oney to help them. Fossella and other New York officials hope they can win the money back in an emergency spending measure, expected later this year, that would pay for Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Charles Schumer, D -NY, left, as he greets unidentified friends and family members of eme rgency personnel who died during the September 11 terrorist attacks at t he 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor Award Ceremony on the South Lawn of the Wh ite House, Sept.
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