Ahead of July 4, Brindisi Announces Major Push to Bring 9/11 Health Bill to Floor of Congress & Pass It This Month; Congressman Announces Plan to Push a Vote & Pass Health Bill for First Responders that Got Sick or Need Care from 9/11 Terror Attack

Statement

Standing with local firefighters, Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) today called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell to make good on their promise to support 9/11 first responders and their families by allowing a vote on legislation to permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF).

The Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327), which permanently extends the expiring 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, has 332 cosponsors in the House, well over the 218 votes needed to pass.

"Congress needs to act," Brindisi said. "On September 11th, many courageous New York first responders ran towards danger. They didn't ask questions, they didn't hesitate, they bravely charged into the wreckage to help. We need to honor them not just with our words but with our actions. Politicians in Washington like to talk a lot about honoring our heroes, but talk is cheap. Permanently reauthorizing the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund is the right thing to do for these brave men and women."

The "VCF" was created to provide compensation for those who suffered physical harm or were killed as a result of the 9/11 terror attack or the debris removal efforts that took place after the crashes. The original VCF ran from 2001-2004. In 2011, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 to allow the VCF to operate for a period of five years, ending in October 2016. Congress passed a reauthorization of that bill in 2015, which included a five-year reauthorization of the VCF, allowing individuals to submit their claims until December 18, 2020.

To date, the VCF has received 48,548 eligibility claims, with 23,390 claimants eligible for compensation. In February, the VCF reported "insufficient funds" and announced cuts of 50% for pending claims and 70% for new claims.

Earlier this month, the legislation unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee. The bill awaits action on the House floor.

Source