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House Approves 9/11 Victims Bill, Sends It to Senate

Associated Press

   The House has overwhelmingly approved a bill ensuring that a victims
   compensation fund for the Sept. 11 attacks never runs out of money.

   The 402-12 vote Friday sends the bill to the Senate, where Majority
   Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to call it up before the August
   recess.

   Lawmakers from both parties hailed the House vote, which comes a month
   after comedian Jon Stewart sharply criticized Congress for failing to
   act. Stewart, a longtime advocate for 9/11 responders, told lawmakers
   they were showing "disrespect" to first responders who are now
   suffering from respiratory ailments and other illnesses as a result of
   their recovery work at the former World Trade Center site in New York
   City.

   Stewart said Friday replenishing the victims fund was "necessary,
   urgent and morally right."