Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the lead sponsor of the Zadroga 9-11 Health and Compensation Act and U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) today released the following statement on the Senate’s final passage of legislation that will effectively make permanent, the renewal of the World Trade Center Health Program for 75 years as well as a five year, fully funded renewal of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, as part of the final omnibus spending bill.
“After months of tireless work by our 9-11 first responders, these brave men and women can finally feel secure that they will have healthcare for the rest of their lives. This victory belongs to them,” said Senator Gillibrand, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the Senate. “And while this should have been an easy moral question for Congress with an obvious answer, our first responders were more than ready to stand up and fight for what they deserve, and today they won. This is an extraordinary group of men and women, and I am honored to represent them.”
“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, so it is welcome news that Congress has finally agreed to fully fund the 9-11 Health Program, providing security to those brave men and women throughout their lives. Thank you to Senator Gillibrand, my other colleagues, firefighters, cops, veterans, union workers and everyone else who fought on behalf of our 9-11 first responders, walking the halls of Congress to win support for these vital health services,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.