Nadler Applauds House Passage of $50 Million for 9/11 Health

Pledges to Fight for Increase in Size and Scope of WTC Monitoring and Treatment Program

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), whose district includes parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, today applauded the House of Representatives for approving the 2008 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. The legislation includes $50 million for the World Trade Center Monitoring and Treatment Program, but must still be reconciled with the Senate before heading to the President for his signature.

Rep. Nadler noted that the Senate version of the bill contains $55 million for the program, and would permit the inclusion of area residents, non-first responder workers and students. Rep. Nadler pledged to fight for the addition of those provisions, included at the request of Senator Hillary Clinton (NY), in the final bill.

"This funding is an important step to meeting our obligation to provide for the monitoring and treatment of those brave first responders exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center," said Rep. Nadler. "I will work with my colleagues to fight for a needed increase in the funding and to expand the program to cover residents, non-first responder workers and school children. We owe it to the heroes and victims of 9/11 to provide for their health care needs."

Earlier this year, Rep. Nadler, along with 22 representatives, wrote to the Appropriations Committee to ask for the funding, as well as the development of a comprehensive approach to 9/11 health that would include residents, non-first responder workers and school children. A copy of the letter is available at: http://www.house.gov/nadler/pdf/20070427072945350.pdf

The Members of Congress who signed the letter are:

Rep. Jerrold Nadler

Rep. Gary L. Ackerman

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez

Rep. Michael R. McNulty

Rep. Edolphus Towns

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy

Rep. Eliot L. Engel

Rep. Gregory W. Meeks

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Rep. Joseph Crowley

Rep. Nita M. Lowey

Rep. Anthony D. Weiner

Rep. Michael A. Arcuri

Rep. Kristen E. Gillibrand

Rep. Charles B. Rangel

Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter

Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Rep. Steve Israel

Rep. Timothy H. Bishop

Rep. John J. Hall

Rep. Phil Hare

Rep. Brian Higgins

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