Rep. King Says Bill to Aid 9/11 Responders Will Fail

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Peter King says he expects a bill that would pay billions of dollars to people exposed to toxic dust from the World Trade Center all short in a House vote.

The House is expected Thursday to take up a measure to provide health care for 9/11 rescue and recovery workers who fell ill after working in the trade center ruins.

The Long Island Republican on Wednesday accused Democrats of a "cruel hoax" on the bill.

Democratic leaders opted to consider the bill under a procedure that requires a two-thirds vote for approval rather than a simple majority. Such a move blocks potential GOP amendments to the measure.

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