Senate hopeful Mike Rogers criticized for voting against 9/11 responder benefits while attacking opponent

Mike Rogers, a Republican vying for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, has recently highlighted former opponent Abdul El-Sayed’s 9/11-related tweets, falsely suggesting the Democrat condoned the attacks. Critics point out that Rogers himself voted against multiple bills that would have provided health care and financial assistance to 9/11 first responders and survivors, including the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which funded treatment for thousands exposed to toxic conditions.

In committee, Rogers argued the legislation would jeopardize the nation’s fiscal health, joining 156 Republicans who opposed the $5.1 billion package. 9/11 responder John Feal, who testified before Congress, called Rogers’ stance a betrayal and recalled the senator’s remarks that the problem was limited to New York and questioned where the money would come from. Former firefighter and city council member Henry Yanez, who supported El-Sayed, also condemned Rogers’ voting record. The controversy emerges as the Senate contest could determine which party controls Congress in the next session.