As the 14th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks approaches, ailing first responders and survivors today joined Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Congressman Peter King (NY-2) and others to call on Congress to prevent the expiration of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Without congressional action, the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund will expire next year, leaving over 70,000 9/11 responders and survivors in all 50 states without the care and support they need to recover from 9/11 related illnesses.
"The heroes of 9/11 who fought the flames and inhaled the dust are being forced to wage a battle on two fronts: a fight to survive the illnesses related to their service at Ground Zero, and a fight on Capitol Hill to ensure the health and compensation they rely on don't disappear," said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney. "They've endured chemotherapy, daily asthma attacks, permanent disabilities, post-traumatic stress, and other terrible illnesses. They live the consequences of 9/11 daily. It's not enough to praise their heroism. It's time for politicians in Washington to honor their sacrifice by permanently extending the Zadroga Act."
"Fourteen years after the attacks of 9/11, we must remember the sacrifices of first responders and survivors and continue to support the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act cannot be allowed to expire. It is not right that the victims and those who risked their own lives to save others on 9/11 may be forgotten if Congress does not act. I urge my colleagues to take action in order to ensure that these men and women continue to have access to the health coverage and compensation they so desperately need and deserve."
"To this day too many of our 9/11 responders and survivors continue to fight serious illnesses, including more than 60 types of cancer caused by 9/11 toxins," said Congressman Peter King. "This reauthorization is critical for these individuals and their families. We have come too far and we must continue to ensure that our 9/11 heroes receive the care they deserve."
"On 9/11, first responders answered our call for help when we needed them most. Yet, with the 14th anniversary approaching, many are still forced to deal with the enduring after-effects of their service at Ground Zero. We owe it to them to reauthorize the Zadroga Act so they can continue to receive the care they rely on," said Congressman Frank Pallone, Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. "I am glad we were able to secure a hearing in my Committee, which was a critical first step toward passage. But as the anniversary approaches and as expiration of the program draws closer every day, Congress must redouble its efforts and renew its commitment to our 9/11 heroes."
"With many first-responders and volunteers still struggling with the health effects from 9/11, Congress has a moral obligation to do everything possible to help those heroes," said Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. "It is still amazing to me just how difficult it was to pass the original James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act in 2010, and it is equally stunning there are some in Congress who do not consider its reauthorization to be a priority in 2015. It is only right to take care of the men and women who put others ahead of their own health and safety. As a cosponsor of the original law and the reauthorization bill in the House, I stand with my colleagues and the first responders today to say the Zadroga Act must be extended and finally made permanent."
"We don't leave our injured soldiers on the battlefield, and we certainly shouldn't leave the 9/11 first responders who are at increased risk for cancer and other ailments with no funding," said Congressman Charles Rangel. "While we can never fully express our gratitude for their sacrifices and patriotism, we can provide them the care they need and deserve. I am proud to stand alongside my dear friends and colleagues to stand up for the heroes who now most need our help."
Nearly 14 years after September 11th, first responders and survivors are battling serious health conditions resulting from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. More than 33,000 9/11 responders, as well as survivors of the attacks, including area residents, workers and children, have an illness or injury caused by the attacks or their aftermath, and over two-thirds of those have more than one illness. So far, 4,385 cancers have been found among 9/11 responders and survivors, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. Many first responders are disabled and can no longer work, and suffer from a host of chronic diseases: asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancer and many more, caused by exposure to toxins and carcinogens at Ground Zero.
Responders came from all over the country to aid in the response to the attacks. And some area survivors, including area residents, workers and children harmed by the disaster, have since moved and are currently receiving care in cities and states across the country. Participants enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program for treatment currently reside in all 50 states and in 429 of the 435 Congressional Districts in the country.