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Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner was raging Thursday night on the House floor after it became clear that Republicans had enough votes to defeat a bill that provided health care to 9/11 first responders.

Democratic leaders made a motion to suspend the rules, a maneuver that prevented Republicans from offering amendments to the widely popular James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

In a dramatic one-and-a-half minute speech, the New York congressman excoriated Republicans for mounting their opposition to the bill's passage on their inability to offer amendments to it.

"It's Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes," Weiner said. "It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this is a bad idea to provide health care–then vote no! But don't give me the cowardly view that 'Oh if it was a different procedure'…"

Republican Rep. Peter King, also of New York, drew fire from Weiner when he tried to interject midway through the Democrat's tirade.

"The gentleman gets up and yells, trying to intimidate people into believing he's right–he is wrong!" Weiner shouted. "The gentleman is wrong! The gentleman is providing cover for his colleagues rather than doing the right thing!"

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Hippie Operative Nikovich Nikita Nicovna Talibani,
Contracted Agent of Veritas Oilspillus, code name “Nike”,
signing off