Mike Rogers 9/11 First Responders Benefits Votes Spark Backlash 2026

Mike Rogers, a Michigan Republican US Senate candidate, is facing backlash over his votes against 9/11 first responder benefits while he attacks his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, over old tweets about the attacks.

Rogers, a former congressman, has sought to create controversy over El-Sayed's past comments, falsely suggesting the Muslim candidate said the US deserved the 9/11 attacks. But critics point out Rogers twice voted against healthcare and other benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors.

Rogers's Votes Against 9/11 First Responder Benefits

Congressional records show Rogers voted against the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which funded healthcare for 9/11 first responders and survivors. The bill helped treat and monitor 40,000 people who worked in toxic conditions after the attacks and covered over 50 types of cancer linked to Ground Zero exposures.

In committee, Rogers argued the bill "jeopardizes the financial health of the United States." He was among 157 Republicans who voted against it, largely due to its $5.1bn price tag, though 17 GOP members supported it. The package passed the House despite Rogers's opposition.

Rogers also helped kill other bills that would have provided benefits and healthcare to first responders nationwide, according to records.

Political Fallout in Tight Michigan Senate Race

Rogers is vying for Michigan's open US Senate seat in a tight race that could decide control of Congress. His attacks on El-Sayed over 9/11 have drawn sharp criticism given his own record on first responder benefits.

The controversy highlights a broader political divide over supporting 9/11 responders. While Rogers has tried to paint El-Sayed as unpatriotic, his votes suggest a different story.

Comparison of 9/11 First Responder Support

Key Takeaways

• Mike Rogers voted against the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which funded healthcare for 9/11 first responders.
• Rogers argued the bill jeopardized US financial health.
• He also helped kill other bills providing benefits to first responders nationwide.
• Rogers is attacking Abdul El-Sayed over 9/11 tweets while facing criticism for his own record.

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