Congress’ omnibus spending bill passed the House this morning and cleared the Senate in the afternoon. The budget included the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which had been created five years ago to cover health care costs for 9/11 first responders, but expired for lack of support. Today, both Houses of Congress voted overwhelmingly to extend the Zadroga Act for 75 years, thereby giving lifetime health benefits to people suffering from medical conditions as a consequence of their work at Ground Zero. In addition to extending the healthcare coverage for first responders and others suffering long-term health issues resulting from the events of 9/11, Congress renewed the Victims Compensation Fund for another five years. The Fund aids victims unable to work due to medical disability arising from 9/11, as well as their families. It is a relief that Congress finally did the right thing, but a disgrace that it took 15 years. The photograph in this blog post shows a painting that you can see at many restaurants and shops in Lower Manhattan, where support for first responders is understandably strong and unwavering. I photographed this one at Blarney Stone, a family-owned pub near the World Trade Center, a favorite place where I like to have a sandwich in between appointments.