Considering he said he would, it's the least he could do. - Jon

Source: nydailynews.com

BY Michael Mcauliff
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
9/3/2009

WASHINGTON - Widows and survivors of 9/11 are demanding President Obama stand with sick responders - and champion a stalled congressional measure to help them.

Named after NYPD Detective James Zadroga, who died from inhaling toxins, the bill would pay for the treatment of Ground Zero responders and workers sickened by their post-Sept. 11 service.

But it's been stuck in Congress over fears about its cost.

After eight years, the people who responded to the worst terror attacks on American soil are getting tired of waiting while more of them die, and have written Obama demanding he act.

"Their deaths have left a void in our families and have left us wondering why our country, and you, Mr. President, have not done more to help the heroes of 9/11," the letter says.

The President, it notes, backed the legislation as a senator running for the White House.

"Since that time, we have heard nothing from you on this issue, and we are deeply disappointed," the letter adds.

The White House made no promises on Wednesday, but pointed out Obama signed into law a national day of service to honor 9/11.

"The President deeply supports our 9/11 heroes and their families and he met with several families earlier this year to offer his condolences and ensure they had an open line of communication to the White House," a spokeswoman said.

Construction worker John Feal, a signer of the letter who lost half of his left foot at Ground Zero, said he hasn't heard back, but he's more concerned about the legislation moving.

"I voted for the guy," said Feal. "I don't want it to be lip service. I want him to have the same passion for human life that he had for Cash for Clunkers and bailouts for banks."

Sponsors of the bill in the House had hoped to have it passed in time for next week's grim anniversary.