In the race for Michigan’s open Senate seat, Republican candidate Mike Rogers is facing criticism concerning his past voting record on healthcare and benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors. This scrutiny emerges as Rogers attempts to cast doubt on his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, by bringing up El-Sayed’s past comments on the September 11 attacks. Rogers has pointed to old social media posts from El-Sayed, which he claims show a sympathetic stance towards the attacks—an assertion that has been contested by critics.
Rogers’ legislative history is under particular examination, notably his 2010 vote against the James Zadroga Act. This act was designed to provide healthcare and monitoring for those exposed to hazardous conditions during rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. Rogers had argued that the bill posed a threat to the nation’s financial stability, but it passed in the House despite opposition from him and other Republicans. Additionally, in 2002, Rogers voted against legislation that included funding for veterans’ healthcare and first responders, tied to addressing the financial repercussions of 9/11 on New York schools. Over the years, he has opposed various proposals related to funding and benefits for first responders.
John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate for healthcare benefits, has voiced strong criticism against Rogers. Feal labeled Rogers’ opposition to the assistance for responders as a betrayal and mentioned that he had directly discussed the Zadroga Act with Rogers while it was still being debated in Congress.
Further controversy surrounds Rogers following his claim in a campaign email that he had personally viewed Osama bin Laden’s body after the US military operation in Pakistan that resulted in bin Laden’s death. However, Rogers was neither present in Pakistan during the operation nor in the White House Situation Room where senior officials were monitoring the raid.
This Senate race in Michigan is closely watched as it may influence the balance of power in Congress. As Rogers and El-Sayed continue their campaigns, these issues surrounding their past actions and statements are likely to remain central to the discourse.