Really, The New York Times headline says it all:

Republicans Block U.S. Health Aid for 9/11 Workers

It seems like only yesterday that Republicans were calling them heroes -- today, not so much:

Republican senators blocked Democratic legislation on Thursday that sought to provide medical care to rescue workers and residents of New York City who became ill as a result of breathing in toxic fumes, dust and smoke from ground zero.

With this defeat, the bill's only chance may be to attach it to the tax cut package Senators are expected to vote on this week. And knowing that, and realizing that a Republican House majority next year would mean the bill is dead, sponsors "mobilized a network of allies across the political spectrum," including:

Ms. Gillibrand, the chief sponsor in the Senate, even reached out to former President George W. Bush. But her aides say Mr. Bush did not respond to her entreaties.

Perhaps Mr. Bush was too busy deciding which shot of him standing on the rubble of the destroyed twin towers, bullhorn in hand and arm around one of those responders, should go into his presidential library.

And why did Republicans oppose the bill?

Republicans have been raising concerns about how to pay for the $7.4 billion measure ...

Well, sure. Adding $700 billion to the deficit to make sure millionaires get a tax break is vital, but finding one percent of that amount to provide medical care for 9/11 workers is just too much. Priorities.