Van Hollen Applauds Passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Press Release

Van Hollen Applauds Passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement on House passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act:

"Today, the House passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, long overdue legislation that will help the thousands of first responders and survivors who were exposed to hazardous health conditions in the aftermath of the tragic attacks on 9/11. These brave men and women -- firefighters, rescue workers, responders, police officers and EMTs, construction workers, cleanup workers, residents, area workers, and school children -- were exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero and are now ill as a result. Their illnesses include a range of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mental health conditions, and they need our help.

"Congress and the federal government have an obligation and a responsibility to care for and help these responders and survivors. This bill provides funding to monitor and treat responders and community residents for health conditions related to the attacks, and reopens the Victim Compensation Fund for those physically injured by the attacks or by response activities and debris removal. And it is paid for by cracking down on foreign tax haven corporations that are taking advantage of the U.S. tax treaty network in order to dodge American taxes.

"We cannot forget the sacrifice and service of those brave individuals who rushed to the scene as well as the survivors. We cannot turn our backs on them. I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting this much needed bill, and I urge the Senate to do the same as soon as possible."

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