October 2010
“We cannot forget those who risked everything to help the victims at Ground Zero”
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) today advocated for the swift passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act which will provide first responders with much needed care following their exposure to the toxins of Ground Zero.
“Tens of thousands of Americans raced to rescue those injured in the terrorist attacks on the days following September 11, 2001. In the course of their work that day and the days following, they were exposed to dangerous toxins and physical hazards,” said Slaughter. “As we recently observed the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we cannot forget those who risked everything to help the victims at Ground Zero.”
Thousands of firefighters, rescue workers, responders, police officers, EMTs, construction workers, cleanup workers, residents, area workers, and school children, have contracted respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mental health conditions as a result of the cleanup of the World Trade Center Site. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will provide funding for a health program to monitor and treat responders and community residents for health conditions related to the terrorist attacks of September 11. It also reopens the September 11, 2001 Victim Compensation Fund to provide monetary compensation for those physically injured by the attacks or by response activities and debris removal.
It is thanks to action by the Rules Committee, which Slaughter chairs, that the bill was able to come to the House floor for debate. Earlier this month, the same bill failed to pass when the life saving legislation required a 2/3 majority. Because it went through the Rules Committee, a simple majority vote will bring the bill one step closer to becoming law.