Gillibrand: Fight Just Beginning On 9/11 Health Bill
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined WCBS 880 on Tuesday to talk about the Senate's block of a vote to repeal "don't ask, don't tell" as well as the slow movement on the 9/11 health bill.
LISTEN: WCBS 880's Full Interview with Gillibrand
Excerpts from the interview:
WCBS 880 Anchor Steve Scott: Senator, you're not happy about this "don't ask, don't tell" vote.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand: It's very disappointing. We have men and women who have served in the military, who want to be serving in the military. Who want to do nothing but give of themselves and give their lives for this country and we are literally telling them 'no' because of who they love.
WCBS 880: Senator, another disappointment for you. It looks like the 9/11 first responder health bill will be tabled again.
Gillibrand: We were hoping to add it as an amendment to the authorization bill. We weren't able to do that, but the fight is just beginning on the 9/11 health bill. All of us must stand strong with our first responders, with our heroes and with the families who suffered when those buildings collapsed for very serious health reasons because of the toxins that were released.
WCBS 880: There is talk that Congress will adjourn very shortly so members can go back to their districts and campaign. When might this [9/11 bill] come up for a vote?
Gillibrand: We're hoping to do it in a lame duck session. We are hoping to call up both repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" and the 9/11 health bill. I think we can bring up those votes in November and December when we reconvene after the election.
