Kennedy Flu Amendment Passes

Today, in a vote of 53-46, Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s amendment providing a compensation fund for health professionals and first responders who will be the first to receive experimental flu vaccinations passed and was added to the supplemental.

Below is Senator Kennedy’s statement:

“Today’s vote by the Senate is a show of support and respect for America’s first responders, the courageous and highly trained men and women who protect us all in the case of emergencies.

In the event of a pandemic flu crisis, they deserve a clear commitment from the government that they and their families will be compensated if they’re taken ill by a vaccine while caring for others.

The passage of this obvious but essential amendment is a step in the right direction, but we are still far behind where we should be in planning for such a pandemic. Other nations have been implementing their plans for years, but the Bush Administration has only just announced its plan today. We’re far behind, and time is not on our side.”

–Crystal Patterson