Mike Rogers faces backlash over 9/11 first responder votes amid attacks on Abdul El-Sayed

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers is facing scrutiny over his voting record on 9/11 first responder benefits after repeatedly attacking Democratic rival Abdul El-Sayed over comments about the attacks.

Rogers, a former congressman, voted against the 2010 James Zadroga Act, which provided healthcare funding for 9/11 first responders and survivors, according to congressional records cited by The Guardian.

During committee debate, Rogers argued the legislation “jeopardizes the financial health of the United States”. The bill ultimately passed despite his opposition.

John Feal, a 9/11 first responder and longtime advocate for survivors, told The Guardian that Rogers’ opposition was “a betrayal”.

Rogers also voted in 2002 against additional funding for veterans’ healthcare and first responders in legislation covering 9/11-related expenses.

The scrutiny comes as Rogers has criticised El-Sayed, who is Muslim, over old social media posts about 9/11 and his association with streamer Hasan Piker.

Rogers’ campaign told The Guardian: “Any attempt to distract from Abdul making Hasan [Piker] the centerpiece of his campaign is incredibly disrespectful to the thousands of Americans who lost their lives that day.”

Rogers and El-Sayed are competing for Michigan’s open US Senate seat in a closely watched race that could help determine control of Congress.