Michigan’s Republican Senate hopeful, Mike Rogers, is under fire for his stance on healthcare and benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors. This criticism arises amid his attacks on Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, regarding El-Sayed’s previous remarks concerning the September 11 attacks. Recently, Rogers has spotlighted past social media comments by El-Sayed, insinuating that they express sympathy for the attackers—a notion that has been contested by critics.
However, Rogers’ own record reveals a contentious history with legislation supporting 9/11 responders. In 2010, congressional documents show that Rogers opposed the James Zadroga Act, a bill designed to provide healthcare and monitoring to those exposed to hazardous conditions at Ground Zero. Rogers argued that this bill posed a fiscal threat to the nation. Despite his opposition, the bill succeeded in passing the House, overcoming resistance from Rogers and numerous other Republicans.
Going back further, in 2002, Rogers voted against additional funding aimed at veterans’ healthcare and first responders, which was part of a broader legislative package addressing the financial repercussions of 9/11 on New York schools. Over the years, Rogers has been consistent in opposing various proposals related to funding, pensions, and other benefits for first responders. This track record has drawn criticism from John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate for healthcare benefits, who labeled Rogers’ stance as a betrayal. Feal noted that he had personally conversed with Rogers regarding the Zadroga Act during its deliberation in Congress.
Adding to the scrutiny surrounding Rogers is a recent campaign email in which he claimed to have seen Osama bin Laden’s body following the U.S. raid in Pakistan that resulted in bin Laden’s death. This assertion is questionable, as Rogers was not present in Pakistan during the operation, nor was he in the White House Situation Room with senior U.S. officials as they monitored the raid.
This controversy unfolds as Rogers and El-Sayed engage in a hotly contested race for Michigan’s open Senate seat, a pivotal contest that could influence the future balance of power in Congress.