Key test vote in Senate for 9/11 health bill

[December 22, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate is headed for a key test vote on a bill that would provide up $6.2 billion to aid people who became sick after being exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center ruins.

Bill supporters say they're confident they have the 60 votes needed to prevail on the vote expected Wednesday. But they worry that Republicans who oppose the measure could try to stall a final vote as the holidays near and Congress' lame duck session winds down.

The bill would provide medical and economic benefits over 10 years to survivors and responders to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

It also would have to be approved by the House. New York lawmakers are pressing the House to remain in session for the vote.

[Associated Press; By ANDREW MIGA]

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