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Paterson Blasts Congress For Failure To Debate 9/11 First Responders Bill

NEW YORK (CBS 2) – New York Gov. David Paterson blasted Congress for its failure to begin debating on legislations aimed at providing health care for sick 9/11 first responders.

On Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected a move to bring the $7.4 billion measure to a vote.

Paterson said that was unacceptable.

"I don't think that that kind of legislation, which is humanitarian, should be mixed in any way with any political differences or substantive disagreements in Washington," Paterson said.

The Republicans won't consider it until the pending tax deal is approved, but it could be revived next week.

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