The Associated Press reports that Republican and Democratic senators have compromised on a scaled-down 9/11 first responders health bill.
The threat of filibuster and block from certain Republican senators, including medical doctor Senator Tom Coburn from Oklahoma appears to have forced the hand of Democrats, leading to a decrease in the funding and amount of time that sick dying police officers and firefighters have to receive help.
Countless first responders have become sick or may soon become sick from breathing in the dust from the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2011 terrorist attacks.
The AP reports that Congressional aids close to the negotiations said the deal would provide $4 billion over five years instead of $6.2 billion in total aid.
Both Houses are expected to vote on the bill Wednesday.
New York lawmakers are pressing the House, which already passed the full bill and would have to re-vote, to remain in session for the vote.
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