A group of 9/11 first responders praised Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after meeting with him to discuss the bill that would permanently fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
“Mitch McConnell works for us … and today Mitch McConnell promised to work for us and I’m going to take him for his word,” first responder John Feal told reporters after the meeting, saying he is not concerned about McConnell going back on his word because “we challenged his humanity, and he passed.”
Feal said his past meetings in 2010 and 2015 with McConnell were more contentious and emotional than the one on Tuesday.
“This is more laid-back, relaxed, substantive and we covered every issue that we thought we could possibly cover,” he said. “He actually sat for this one. The other ones he was quick to get up and leave his staff with us.”
Regarding what changed McConnell’s behavior toward them, Feal said, “We’re the world’s best pain in the asses. We don’t go away.”
McConnell was called out by comedian Jon Stewart for what he characterized as a lack of action on the fund, saying, “In terms of getting the 9/11 bills passed, Mitch McConnell has been the white whale on this,” referring to the elusive character from Moby Dick.
The Republican from Kentucky said in response, “I don’t know why [Stewart’s] all bent out of shape but we will take care of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.”
