By Ben Fractenberg
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Dozens of 9/11 responders rallied on Capitol Hill Wednesday to advocate for a bill ensuring them affordable access to health care, the Daily News reported.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg traveled with the group so he could lobby Congress personally for the Zadroga Act, which would set aside $7.4 billion for responders who can’t afford health care or descent housing.
"They said, 'Do your job, don't worry, we're gonna take care of you.' Now they're like, 'Who are you?'" retired FDNY firefighter Greg Straub, 40, told the News. "A lot of days I can't get out of bed anymore."
The bill has support of Democrats but supporters’ worry Republicans may try to block it, arguing our country cannot afford the extra spending.
President Barack Obama came out in favor of the bill in August after coming under fire for not being more vocal on the issue.
The bill is named after James Zadroga, a former NYPD detective who died of respiratory disease after taking part in the rescue and recovery mission at Ground Zero.
