President Obama signed the 9/11 health bill into law

President Obama yesterday (02, January,2011) signed the 9/11 health bill into law, finally delivering federal health benefits to sick Ground Zero workers who have waited nine years for the help. Obama briefly interrupted his Hawaii vacation to sign the $4.3 billion bill, which squeaked through Congress in the final hours of the lame-duck session last month. The president said he was "honored" to sign the bill."We will never forget the selfless courage demonstrated by the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who risked their lives to save others," Obama said.

Still, some first responders were disappointed there wasn't a formal White House ceremony. John Feal, a former demolition supervisor at Ground Zero who spearheaded the fight for benefits, said the long-awaited bill signing was a "testament to the resolve of people who wouldn't give up."

"The president's signing finally gives the 9/11 community some kind of closure and validation," he said. "I'd like to have seen it signed in the White House so the first responders who fought for this could see the fruit of their labor." Obama signed the bill in Hawaii because the 10-day deadline to do so was about to expire, a White House spokesman said.