Thomas Daschle: “I would call it bitter irony as we approach September 11 in recognition of so many first responders who gave their…”

“I would call it bitter irony as we approach September 11 in recognition of so many first responders who gave their lives--and in some cases because of the injuries inflicted gave their livelihoods--as we pass additional commemoration on September 11 resolutions of praise and gratitude to the first responders, how ironic that there would be an effort to promulgate a regulation that takes away their rights to compensation which they so richly and justly deserve. How ironic. If we are going to pass these commemorations again--and indeed we should--let us make them meaningful. Let us say that we also recognize the contribution you make every day--not just what you contributed on September 11, 2001, but what you are contributing on September 11, 2003, and every single day you come to work. Let us acknowledge that contribution. Let us acknowledge it with a meaningful commitment in pay by overturning this harsh regulation.”