Reps. Nadler, Maloney and Fossella Welcome $52.5 Million for 9/11 Health and First-Ever Language Covering Area Residents, Workers and Students

Press Release

Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) and Vito Fossella (NY-13) today welcomed the passage of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Conference Report, which includes the first-ever federal funding for area residents, workers, and students whose health was affected by 9/11.

That measure, adopted late Tuesday, includes $52.5 million to address the growing health needs of those individuals who were exposed to the environmental hazards released as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center. While firefighters and first responders have received federal funding for 9/11 related health care in the past, this is the first time such efforts were specifically included in an annual appropriations bill. Also, this bill marks the first time that funds for 9/11 health programs will be available to area residents, workers and students. The Senate must still adopt the conference report, and President Bush has already threatened to veto the measure.

"This is a critical victory - the decision to include funding in a regular appropriations bill for the monitoring and treatment of first responders, residents, workers and students who are suffering as a result of 9/11 is the right thing to do," said Rep. Nadler. "We are finally starting to deliver on our promise to provide for all the affected populations. The President has shamefully issued a veto threat for this bill - and I urge him to reconsider. This bill would help meet America's moral obligation to all of the victims of 9/11."

"Once again, Congress has stepped up and kept the doors open at federally-funded 9/11 health clinics," said Rep. Maloney. "This bill includes several ‘firsts': it's the first time we've secured 9/11 health funding through a regular appropriations bill, rather than emergency spending, and it's the first time that funds will be made available to treat and monitor lower Manhattan residents, workers and students. The New York delegation worked hard to pass this important bill. I urge the President to do right by the heroes of 9/11 and sign it."

Rep. Fossella said, "This funding will help all those who were impacted by 9/11. It is an important victory in our ongoing efforts to ensure that monitoring and treatment are available to anyone who is sick or injured as a result of the terror attacks."

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