Republicans are targeting Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, both New York Democrats, for voting against a federal spending bill that included funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, despite both having previously touted their support for the program. The bill, HR 7148, passed the House 217-214 on Feb. 3 and was signed by President Trump, ending a four-day government shutdown. It provided funding for several federal departments and extended the WTC health program's funding formula through 2040 to address rising medical costs for 9/11 responders and survivors.
Most Democrats opposed the bill amid a standoff over ICE funding, though 21 Democrats, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer and James Clyburn, voted for it. The National Republican Congressional Committee accused Suozzi and Gillen of hypocrisy given their earlier statements backing the health program. Both campaigns pushed back, with Suozzi's team calling it a partisan attack and Gillen's spokesperson citing her personal ties to 9/11 and record of advocacy. Both Long Island Democrats face competitive re-election races in November.
