December 22, 2010 at 05:00 AM
Supporters of long-term funding to address the health needs of 9/11 first responders to Ground Zero gained a legislative triumph in the waning hours of the lame-duck congressional session Wednesday, as GOP senators who had adamantly blocked the bill won concessions and then agreed to let the measure pass, with the House quickly voting to follow suit. The modified bill permanently closes the victims compensation fund after five years, among other changes. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent after intense negotiations by proponents including Sens. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) and