(Washington, DC) - Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today sponsored legislation that would provide monitoring to all those exposed to the toxins from Ground Zero as well as treatment for those individuals who became ill as a result of that exposure.  The legislation, known as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, H.R. 3543, would finally establish a permanent federal program to monitor and treat the first responders, workers, and residents who were exposed to the harmful contaminants caused by the attacks of 9/11.

“While the Bush Administration has puttered around with piecemeal and short-term efforts, either by incompetence or design, they have utterly failed to address the now-acknowledged and long-term effects of exposure to the “pile” at Ground Zero.  Six years of waiting for a comprehensive plan of action is long enough; Congress must act to now to provide the care to the people who rushed to Ground Zero to help others, as well as the thousands who worked on the “pile” in the aftermath to rebuild the site,” Ackerman said. “We owe the heroes of 9/11 the care and compensation they deserve.”

The legislation, named after NYPD Detective Zadroga, was the first 9/11 responder whose death was directly attributed to toxic Ground Zero material, would ensure that everyone exposed to Ground Zero toxins, including first responders, residents, area workers and students, would have a right to medical monitoring and to treatment if necessary.   The measure would also reopen the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and build on the expertise of the Centers of Excellence, which are currently providing high-quality care to thousands of responders.

###

Return to Gary's Homepage