Greg Sargent reports that the 9/11 first-responders bill might pass after all:
UPDATE, 12:43 p.m.: Senate aides say they are now hopeful they can pass the bill via “unanimous consent,” which means it can happen quickly today. More when I learn it.
UPDATE, 1:08 p.m.: GOP Senator Mike Enzi, one of the lead Republican negotiators on the 9/11 bill, supports the deal, Enzi spokesperson Jessica Straus confirms to me. That’s a big step forward: It means Republicans are on board, which makes “unanimous consent” passage — which is the fastest way forward — more likely.
Straus also confirms to me that the deal trims the cost of the bill from $6.2 billion to $4.2 billion.
So pressure from the base combined with garden variety dealmaking (unanimous consent in return for cutting the bill to $4.2 billion) wins the day after all. And everyone gets to go home for Christmas. More details at the link.
