9/11 benefits bill included in spending package

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A bill to provide a lifetime of healthcare benefits for Sept. 11 first responders will be included in a major $1.1 trillion spending package.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which expired in October, provided medical benefits to about 70,000 first responders and survivors from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart lobbied heavily for it.

The bill was included in the larger spending package and will act as an essentially permanent extension for the healthcare program for first responders as the benefits won't run out until 2090, NBC reported.

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