Bill that would provide up to $7.4 billion in aid for sick 9/11 responders fails in House

Bill to aid sick 9/11 responders fails in House

WASHINGTON — The House has rejected a bill that would pay up to $7.4 billion in aid to people sickened by toxic dust from the World Trade Center.

The measure on Thursday night failed to win the needed two-thirds majority.

Members of Congress from New York and New Jersey who have pushed for such a measure for years plan to continue pressing for the bill after Congress returns from its August recess.

The legislation is named for James Zadroga, a police detective who died at age 34. His supporters say he died from respiratory disease contracted at ground zero, but New York City’s medical examiner says Zadroga’s lung condition was caused by prescription drug abuse.