Washington (CNN) -- Senate Democrats failed Thursday to win a procedural vote to open debate on a bill that would provide medical benefits and compensation for emergency workers who were first on the scene of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The motion for cloture, or to begin debate, needed 60 votes to pass due to a Republican filibuster, but fell short at 57-42 in favor. While supporters said they would try to bring the bill up again, either on its own or as part of other legislation to be considered, the vote Thursday jeopardized the measure's chances for approval in the final weeks of the current congressional session.
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Motion for cloture falls three votes short of ending GOP filibuster
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Republicans oppose the $7.4 billion cost; supporters hope to revive the measure
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Bill would provide medical benefits, compensation for 9/11 first responders
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NYC Mayor Bloomberg calls it an "example of partisan politics trumping patriotism"
"I urge Senate @placeholder to reconsider their wrong-headed political strategy and allow the bill to come to the floor for a vote," Bloomberg said in a statement.