Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the Senate will vote on renewing fundings for 9/11 first responders after meeting with a group of them on Tuesday.
Funding for the 9/11 victims fund drew renewed attention in recent weeks after comedian Jon Stewart gave an emotional testimony and blasted McConnell for using the bill as a bargaining chip in the past.
{mosads}Following his meeting with a group of 9/11 first responders, McConnell vowed to take up the legislation before the summer ends, according to The Associated Press.
“We want to try to deal with (the legislation) before the August recess,” he said.
He added that he had a “good meeting” with the first responders.
Stewart’s since viral plea brought to light for many in the public the fact that money for the victim’s fund will likely run out by the end of the year if Congress does not renew its funding.
The $7 billion fund is quickly being drained and benefit payments have been cut by up to 70 percent. A bill that is currently sitting in Congress would fund victim’s benefits through 2090.
McConnell and Stewart publicly clashed over the legislation recently, with the former “Daily Show” host accusing the GOP leader of never dealing with the issue compassionately.
McConnell dismissed Stewart’s criticism and said during an interview on Fox News that he didn’t know why Stewart “is all bent out of shape” about it but promised to “take care” of the dwindling fund.