Congressman Anthony Weiner gets loud, calls out GOP for 9/11 health bill

Way to go all Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Rep. Anthony Weiner of Brooklyn/Queens!

Rep. Weiner gave an impassioned speech yesterday on the House floor because Republicans are blocking funding to monitor September 11th first responders with lasting health issues. Weiner angrily called opponents of the bill out for voting on procedure and not the merits of the bill itself, which will allocate over $7 billion in funds to ensure those who worked in the Trade Center’s ruins those first few dangerous days are properly cared for. TPM helpfully transcribed a portion of Weiner’s two minute rant:

“It’s Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans, rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes!”

Weiner attacked those who “stand up and say, ‘Oh, if only we had a different process we’d vote yes.’ You vote yes if you believe yes! You vote in favor of something if you believe it’s the right thing! If you believe it’s the wrong thing, you vote no!”

While some may argue Weiner’s rants are grandstanding or theatrical (using the word “heroes,” for instance), the clip is still worth watching, and will hopefully inspire other Dems to get their spines back.