On Wednesday the house made a landmark approval of legislation providing billions of dollars to residents and rescue workers in the City of New York for medical treatment, the majority of whom suffered severe illnesses related to breathing dust, smoke and toxic fumes at ground zero.

However, it has emerged clearly, that the fate of the bill when it goes tot senate might be a different case altogether. The republicans, concerned about the bill are known to hold enough votes that could filibuster the bill’s proposed measures, while Democrat Senators are not confident about bringing it to the floor.

The bill, characterized by impassioned debates had relatives of 9/11 responders watching right from the House gallery, the vote occurring at a time when Congress was moving fast to clear all legislative business fast for the awaited adjournment this week. This was to give lawmakers time to return home for campaigns before the elections of 2 November.

The bill if it passes aims at using $3.2 billion in the coming eight years for the treatment and monitoring of injuries that stem from widespread exposure to debris and toxic waste at the ground zero area. 10% of all the health costs will be paid by New York City. $4.2 billion as per the bill seeks to reopen and fund the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund aiming to offer compensation for economic and other job losses to the many affected by the terrorism attack.

The bill also has a provision that could allow payment from the set Victim Compensation Fund to anybody who might received payment as per the settlement that is pending from lawsuits filed by more than 10,000 clean up and rescue workers against New York City.

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