Press Release

For Immediate Release
July 28, 2010

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), one of nine chief deputy whips,  urged the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,  a bill that will help the thousands of people  who are now suffering from health issues as a result of their heroic actions on September 11th and the days following. Congressman Crowley is the only member of Congress who lost a family member on September 11th, Battalion Chief John Moran.

Below are Congressman Crowley’s remarks from the House floor as submitted:

“This week, when the House considers the 9-11 Health and Compensation Act, my colleagues will have a simple choice: vote to protect foreign corporations who are avoiding U.S. taxes; or vote to protect those who stood in protection of us on September 11th.

“It has been almost nine years since our nation was attacked. Three thousand lives were lost, including that of my cousin –John Moran. Thousands more were injured, particularly those who spent days and months cleaning up Ground Zero. 

“Our nation stood together in the aftermath – defiant against those who attacked us, committed to never again let a terrorist attack occur on U.S. soil. And, we stood with the thousands who came to Ground Zero – first to look for survivors, and then to clean up.

“Former President Bush said three days after the attack, ‘The nation sends its love and compassion to everyone who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud.’

“Tomorrow, the House will get a chance to fulfill our thanks to those who served us. Thousands were told by the Federal government, ‘the air is safe, return home.’ Thousands were told a flimsy medical mask would keep them secure and to keep searching, keep cleaning Ground Zero. But, the air wasn’t safe and now thousands are sick.

“We have a commitment to those who served us. We have a duty to pass the 9-11 Health and Compensation Act. Vote 'yes' tomorrow. Make the nation proud.”

Congressman Crowley is the six-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

###