Dear Representative:
On behalf of the AFL-CIO, I am writing to urge you to support and co-sponsor the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1786, S. 928) which will guarantee critical health and compensation benefits to those sickened as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
Fourteen years after the terrorist attacks on our country, tens of thousands of brave responders, volunteers and citizens continue to suffer the impacts of the toxic exposures that occurred in the wake of those attacks. Many of these individuals are now disabled, unable to work and thousands have died from their diseases. More than 4,000 individuals have developed cancer and the toll continues to mount.
In 2010, the Congress came together and passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide critical health monitoring, medical treatment and compensation to 9/11 responders and survivors. The World Trade Center Health Program established by the law has provided health services to more than 70,000 individuals, with more than 33,000 receiving medical treatment for 9/11 illnesses. There are program members in every state and from 429 congressional districts. To date, over 12,000 individuals have been either received or deemed to be eligible for compensation for their injuries under the September 11 Victims’ Compensation Fund, which was reopened under the law.
But unless Congress acts, these lifesaving programs will end. The original Zadroga Act was authorized for only five years and is set to expire in 2016. We can’t let that happen.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act would extend these programs and ensure that our 9/11 responders and others that have been impacted will continue to receive these vital services. This legislation has broad bi-partisan support in both the Senate and the House. We urge you to join with your colleagues to support and co-sponsor this legislation.
The September 11th attacks were an attack on the nation. Just as we must never forget those who died that day, we must not forget those heroic men and women who answered the call to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. Congress must act to pass the 9/11 James Zadroga Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act to ensure that the brave 9/11 responders and survivors continue to receive the health care and support they need and deserve.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
Government Affairs Department