9/11 HEALTH BREAKTHROUGH: Reps. Fossella & Maloney Confirm White House Will Include Funding for 9/11 Health Treatment in Budget Proposal

Press Release

9/11 HEALTH BREAKTHROUGH: Reps. Fossella & Maloney Confirm White House Will Include Funding for 9/11 Health Treatment in Budget Proposal

Congressman Vito Fossella (R-N13) and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY14) today confirmed that, for the first time ever, the White House will include $25 million in its Fiscal Year 2008 budget for health treatment for sick/injured 9/11 responders.

Fossella and Maloney said the $25 million represents a starting point and that they have received a commitment from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that, if needed, additional funding will be added to the budget this year. Fossella, Congressman Peter King and Congressman Jim Walsh met with OMB officials this morning

Fossella said, "This is a breakthrough. For the first time in the federal budget there will be a down payment to provide funding for continued treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders who need our help. This funding represents a starting point, and we will continue working to ensure that funding is available for all those who are sick or injured."

Maloney said, "I see this as recognition from the President -- for the first time -- that regular 9/11 health funding is an absolute necessity. Ultimately it will take billions of dollars to tackle this massive crisis, but hopefully this is a first step to getting adequate help to sick responders, office workers and residents. The tragic stories of 9/11 heroes like Cesar Borja and James Zadroga have showed everyone the grave consequences of inaction, and I am glad our government is taking notice."

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