Metro

9/11 bill just one vote shy

Congressional Democrats say they need the support of just one more Senate Republican in a last-ditch effort to pass federal health benefits for police and firefighters stricken by illnesses allegedly from Ground Zero dust.

The $7.4 billion bill could go to the Senate floor as early as Wednesday, and New York lawmakers are scrambling to secure the Republican support needed to pass it.

“We’re doing everything we can. We’re not there yet, but were hopeful we can get there,” Sen. Chuck Schumer told reporters yesterday at his Manhattan office.

Schumer and fellow New York Democrat Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the bill’s lead sponsor in the Senate, have been trying to secure the final vote among moderate Republicans, such as Maine Sen. Susan Collins or Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.

“Some people say we shouldn’t spend the money. But I’ve always argued we should spend the money on veterans, and I think it’s a very similar argument to spend the money on those who rushed to help us after 9/11,” Schumer said.

“They rushed to danger just like our veterans do, God bless them. And when they become ill, the federal government should be there for them, too,” he said. “It’s a very simple argument and we’re making good progress with it.”

The bill, dubbed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, would provide federal payments for medical treatment and lost wages to first responders who suffer illnesses allegedly caused by Ground Zero toxins.

The legislation has languished in Congress for nine years before winning House passage in September. The Senate vote during the lame-duck session is considered the last, best hope for it to become law.

smiller@nypost.com