Congress to Vote on Zadroga Act Reauthorization

Congress is expected to vote on reauthorization of the Zadroga Act, which provides benefits to 9/11 responders who became ill as a result of their service. WABC reports that renewal of the Act is being included in the year-end tax and spending bill, which will be considered later this week. The Zadroga Act established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring. The Act also reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

According to WABC, Congress is expected to vote on a $1.1 trillion year-end tax and spending bill that includes a $8.1 billion measure to renew the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill seeks to fully fund the VCF through 2021, and renew the WTC Health Program until 2090.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who spearheaded the legislation, said “Our 9/11 first responders never should have been forced to travel to Washington and walk the halls of Congress – legislation this important shouldn’t have needed so much convincing – but after dozens of trips, they finally got the job done.”

The WTC Health Program has already expired, and is currently running on cash reserves before benefits end entirely. More than 33,000 sick responders depend on the program for medical treatment, and 70,000 are being monitored. The VCF is slated to end in October 2016, unless Congress votes for renewal.

“This is the Christmas the 9/11 responders deserved: some peace of mind for each and every hero. Their selfless actions in response to that tragic day deserve a lifetime’s worth of care and respect.” said Sen. Charles Schumer.

Exposure to the hazardous conditions during 9/11 has been linked to a number of health conditions, including respiratory disorders and dozens of different cancers. There are sick responders in every state and in 433 out of 435 Congressional districts. “Passing the Zadroga bill was a long hard fight for the brave cops, firefighters and construction workers who put their lives and health on the line at Ground Zero. They deserve the very best medical care and treatment.” said Rep. Pete King.

from Parker Waichman http://www.yourlawyer.com/blog/congress-to-vote-on-zadroga-act-reauthorization/