John McCain: why are we “fooling around” with the 9/11 first responders bill?

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Yes, dear readers, Sen. John McCain really is that big an asshole.

On Friday night, Rachel Maddow talked to Rep. Anthony Weiner about his outburst on the floor of the House back in July when Republicans were doing their best to use procedural moves to prevent the 9-11 first responder's bill from making it through the House.

Rachel asked Anthony Weiner about his response to John McCain, who "described work on this bill as fooling around" and whether or not procedure matters. Anthony Weiner: Lame Duck Session Might be Last Chance to Pass First Responder's Bill:

WEINER: Well look, I think of all of the people who understand the sincerity of this, John McCain at least in theory should. Look, I think what sometimes my friends in the Senate don't realize is that what they think is regular day to day procedural maneuvering looks to the rest of the country as standing in the way of really letting democracy work. But in this case, literally we have this universe of people and we think it's about 10,000 people; no one is dying to get… no, that's a wrong use of words. No one wants to get this benefit. It's not like an entitlement. No one's trying to get toxic stew in their lungs to go then be able to sign up for the 9-11 first responders program.

We figured out a way to pay for it. It's completely paid for now. And we have the votes and so for John McCain to say this is some kind of a game or a stunt… no. This is us trying to do frankly what I think we should have done on September 11th and we're trying to finally do now. And I would just say to my Senate colleagues if there is one issue all year that should transcend politics, it really should be this one.

Call your senators today and demand an up or down vote for the 9/11 first responders. Time is running out.