Long Island's 9/11 first responders with failing health characterized President Bush's health care proposal as a dollar short and a day late.

On Tuesday, the White House announced $25 million would be set aside for future health needs of workers who responded to the September 11th terror attacks. Due to toxic fumes emanating from the World Trade Center debris, hundreds of volunteers contracted chronic lung disease and other health issues. John Sferaza, of Huntington Station, worked at the site and recently asked the president for a $1.9 billion health program. He says the $25 million is too little too late.

According to the White House, if a task force finds more money for 9/11 responder health care is needed, they would consider providing it.