Feds To 9/11 Rescue Workers: Drop Dead

Coming on top of the recent death of World Trade Center emergency medical technician Tim Keller at age 41, from 9/11-related lung disease, the US Senate is about to approve taking away $125 million meant for New York's sick 9/11 workers.

The Daily News has learned the Senate Appropriations Committee will not include the money in the budget for next year despite an outcry last month when the House took a similar step.

The cash was originally given to New York as part of an award to the state workers compensation system for people who fell ill after rushing to Ground Zero to help in the rescue. But the Bush administration demanded the money back when it was being spent too slowly - something that critics blamed on bureaucrats who didn't do their jobs.

"It's outrageous to take money away from those who sacrificed to save people's lives," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "It is a cheap shot to first responders and to New York."

Oh well, at least we're treating Iraq veterans better.