Mike Rogers, a former Republican congressman and current candidate for Michigan’s open US Senate seat, has faced scrutiny over his voting record on 9/11 first responder legislation. Recent weeks saw Rogers attempt to generate controversy regarding old tweets posted by his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, concerning the September 11 attacks. According to critics, Rogers mischaracterized El-Sayed’s statements.
Congressional records show Rogers voted against the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which funded healthcare and monitoring for approximately 40,000 first responders and survivors exposed to toxic conditions at Ground Zero. The legislation also provided treatment for more than 50 types of cancer linked to exposures at the attack site. Rogers argued the bill “jeopardizes the financial health of the United States,” citing its $5.1 billion price tag. Though 156 Republicans voted against the measure, 17 GOP members supported it, and the bill ultimately passed the House.
John Feal, a 9/11 first responder who testified during the committee debate, stated he personally discussed the legislation with Rogers on the House floor. Feal characterized Rogers’ opposition as “a betrayal” and described a conversation in which Rogers allegedly called first responders’ health issues a “New York problem.” Feal told media outlets that Rogers’ voting pattern demonstrates opposition to helping responders facing long-term health consequences.
Rogers’ record on first responder issues extends beyond the Zadroga Act. In 2002, he voted against additional veterans’ healthcare funding. In 2011, he voted for a homeland security appropriations bill that included cuts to funding for state and local first responders. Between 2013 and 2014, Rogers voted against multiple amendments providing billions for first responder support.
The Michigan Senate race between Rogers and El-Sayed remains competitive, with potential implications for congressional control in the next session. Henry Yanez, a retired Michigan firefighter and city council member supporting El-Sayed, criticized Rogers’ votes on first responder funding, expressing particular surprise given Rogers’ background as an FBI agent. The Rogers campaign declined to comment on the allegations.
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