In the race for Michigan’s open Senate seat, Republican candidate Mike Rogers is under renewed scrutiny for his past legislative decisions on healthcare and benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors. As the contest heats up, Rogers has criticized Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed over previous statements related to the September 11 attacks, which Rogers has claimed show sympathy for the attacks—a charge that El-Sayed’s supporters contest. Meanwhile, Rogers’ own voting record reveals that he opposed the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which provided crucial funding for healthcare and monitoring services for those who were exposed to harmful conditions at Ground Zero.
Rogers justified his stance against the Zadroga Act by arguing that it posed a threat to the nation’s financial health. Despite his opposition, the legislation successfully passed in the House of Representatives, overcoming resistance from Rogers and other Republicans. His voting history also shows that in 2002, Rogers voted against additional financial support for veterans’ healthcare and first responders—a measure included in legislation aimed at addressing the economic impacts of the 9/11 attacks on New York City’s schools. Over the years, Rogers has continued to oppose various proposals related to funding, pensions, and other benefits for first responders.
John Feal, a 9/11 responder and an advocate for healthcare benefits, has openly criticized Rogers’ record, describing his votes against responder assistance as a significant betrayal. Feal noted that he had spoken directly with Rogers about the Zadroga legislation during its congressional consideration, highlighting the ongoing tension over Rogers’ legislative choices.
Adding to the controversy, Rogers has been scrutinized for a recent campaign email in which he claimed to have personally seen the body of Osama bin Laden after the U.S. raid 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 mission.
This series of controversies unfolds as Rogers and El-Sayed vie for a Senate seat that could potentially influence which party controls Congress. The race is closely watched, with both candidates facing heightened scrutiny over their past actions and statements as they seek to win voter support in Michigan.