Democrats: Akin, Emerson, Graves, Lueketmeyer vote against 9-11 first responders; Blunt a no-show

A news release from the Missouri Democratic Party today notes that members of Missouri's Republican Congressional contingent voted against assistance for 9-11 first responders, while Seventh Disrict Congressman Roy Blunt was a no-show:

Unfortunately, Missouri Republicans refused to stand with Democratic representatives and members of their own party from other states in support of care for first responders, clean up workers and others exposed to harmful toxins after the 9/11 attacks.


Republican members of Congress from Missouri, including Todd Akin, Jo Ann Emerson, Blaine Luektemeyer and Sam Graves voted to deny assistance to first responders and others exposed to toxins as a result of the 9/11 attacks. What's even more unbelievable is Congressman Roy Blunt did not even show up to cast a vote. (http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll550.xml)

In response to Missouri Republicans' unwillingness to help 9/11 first responders and workers, Missouri Democratic Party Communications Director Ryan Hobart released the following statement:


“Congressman Blunt could not even show up to vote on a bill that would help first responders and clean up workers hurting in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, but other Missouri Republicans cast a unanimous no vote on behalf of their party in this state. Unfortunately, Missouri Republicans chose partisanship over helping those who are still suffering as a result of this hateful attack on our country. Members of their party from other states stood with Democratic members in support of this bill, but, instead, they refused."

USA Today reported that: "Republicans who opposed the measure called it an entitlement program for New Yorkers." (USA Today, 9/29/10)