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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Tom Perkins

Republican seeking to implicate Abdul El-Sayed over 9/11 voted twice against benefits for first responders

Man in navy blue suit stands at a podium
Mike Rogers speaks at an event on 31 August 2026, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Photograph: Paul Sancya/AP

Mike Rogers, a Michigan Republican US Senate candidate, has sought in recent weeks to create controversy over old tweets his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed posted about 9/11. He has for example, falsely suggested El-Sayed, who is Muslim, said the US deserved the attack.

But, as critics have noted, Rogers has twice voted against healthcare and other benefits for 9/11 first responders and survivors, congressional records show. He has also helped kill other bills that would have provided benefits and healthcare to first responders nationwide. Rogers, a former member of Congress, is vying for Michigan’s open US Senate seat in a tight race that could decide control of Congress during the next session.

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