Reps. Nadler, Maloney & Fossella Join NY Giants Legend George Martin to Rally for Sick 9/11 Workers
Martin Recently Embarked on 3,200+ Mile Walk Across America to Benefit Ailing Rescue and Recovery Workers of 9/11

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Congressman Jerold Nadler, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, and Congressman Vito Fossella,today joined with retired New York Giants co-captain and Super Bowl champion George Martin, as well as a bipartisan group of Members from the tri-state area, to rally for sick and injured Ground Zero workers.

Martin, who recently embarked on a 3,200+ mile fundraising walk across the United States to benefit sick Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers, reached Washington, DC, this week as part of his “a Journey for 9/11” (www.ajourneyfor911.info). The walk is expected to take approximately four months, covering 15 states and Washington, DC, and will end at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco early next year. Martin seeks to raise awareness about these health issues and more than $10 million for 9/11 workers who are suffering serious medical conditions related to their efforts at Ground Zero after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Maloney, Nadler and Fossella recently introduced comprehensive, bipartisan legislation, The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, to address the health impacts of the 9/11 attacks, including ensuring that everyone exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero have access to medical monitoring and, if needed, treatment.

Nadler said, “George Martin embodies the values of compassion and dedication. I applaud him for taking this journey across America.  As we work in Congress to provide comprehensive medical care and compensation to thousands of Americans affected by the aftermath of 9/11, George is bringing the public’s attention to this important issue.  I wish him well and thank him for his contribution to this worthy cause.”

Maloney said, “George Martin is a true all-star.  He is a hero who is helping to bring much needed attention and assistance to the heroes of 9/11.  I applaud him for undertaking this historic journey and thank him for devoting so much of himself to this critically important cause.  George is a true inspiration to those of us in Congress who are working hard to establish a comprehensive federal health monitoring and treatment program to help those exposed to and sickened by 9/11 toxins.”   

Fossella said, “George Martin is proving that he is a champion both on and off the field. He is helping bring attention to the suffering of sick and injured 9/11 responders and raising money to allow them to get the care they need. We are leading the fight in Washington to help our heroes who are sick today as well as anyone directly affected by their proximity to Ground Zero who falls ill in the future. Our legislation provides comprehensive medical monitoring and treatment for those who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins and compensation for the sick and injured. The bill goes further than any effort to date by expanding monitoring and treatment to all who were exposed, including responders, residents, workers and students in the area. It also makes good on our promise to reopen the Victims Compensation Fund to help those who fell ill over the past three years.”

Martin said, “It is my honor to walk across this great nation to generate awareness about and funding for the healthcare needs of those who have fallen ill as a result of their selfless sacrifices in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.  We need to do all we can as a nation to help the rescue and recovery workers of Ground Zero recover from and manage their illnesses.  I encourage all Americans to support the efforts of those in Washington, DC, who seek to ensure proper medical care for those who have fallen ill as a result of 9/11, and I thank all those who are contributing to “a Journey for 9/11.”