Updates on the Zadroga Bill

As you already know, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill is close to my heart. (Yesterday, I chose to read the Congressional Record in order to see what the stated opposition to the bill was. Other than the tax on foreign companies, there was concern that money would go to illegal immigrants. Of course, I took exception to that. The heroes of 9/11 didn't ask the people they saved if they were legal or not; we should not do the same to them.) That is why I was concerned yesterday when I heard that the President will be staying on vacation in Hawaii until January 2^nd.

Once a bill is passed by both Houses of Congress, the President has 10 days to sign, veto, or do nothing to the bill. If he does nothing, after 10 days, the bill automatically becomes a law. However, if a session of Congress expires before those 10 days expire and the President fails to take any action, the bill does not become law. This is called a "Pocket Veto."

The Zadroga Bill passed Congress on December 22. The 111^th Congress expires at the beginning of the new year. Thus, I was concerned when and where the President would sign the bill.

Thankfully, this morning, I read this tweet by White House New Media Director (and one of my idols, in full disclosure) Macon Phillips:

Have a ? for @whitehouse Spokesman Robert Gibbs? *** Reply to @PressSec ***, w/your Q & he'll answer what he can over the next half hourless than a minute ago via HootSuiteMacon Phillips (EOP)
macon44

So, I tweeted:

@PressSec When will President Obama sign the Zadroga Bill (because he only has 7 days to do so and he's in Hawaii until 1/2/11)?less than a minute ago via webSeamus Campbell
SeamusCampbell

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs responded:

On signing 9/11 bill, we haven't decided yet when it will be signed - President might do it from Hawaii @SeamusCampbellless than a minute ago via webRobert Gibbs (EOP)
PressSec

I was relieved to know that the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill will become law.

As a side note, this is our 100th post. Merry Christmas!