Steven Holt: “on September 11, 2001, as thousands fled over lower Manhattan during the terrorist strikes, many ran towards the burning…”

“on September 11, 2001, as thousands fled over lower Manhattan during the terrorist strikes, many ran towards the burning buildings. These brave men and women were first responders--the police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who risk their lives every day to protect their fellow citizens. It would seem like the least we could do for them would be to not only applaud their efforts, but also provide them with support they need so they can do their jobs even better. Unfortunately, this Congress has found it appropriate not to support, but to shortchange these everyday heroes. A month and a half ago, we finally managed to pass the FY03 spending bill. Many of us here in this body sought to add vital funding for first responders, but we were denied. Our first responders were denied. Today, apparently, this body is poised to again deny our first responders--in this case, the men and women who will first respond to the unthinkable: a smallpox attack. The need for the president's smallpox vaccination program is questionable, but now that the program exists, there is no doubt that we need to address compensation for those who volunteer for and are injured by the vaccine. In terms of negative side effects, this vaccine--essentially the same as the original developed in 1796--is perhaps the most dangerous one we currently have.”