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REP. WATSON VOTES TO PROVIDE 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS WITH HEALTH CARE

Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Watson voted to provide 9/11 first responders and survivors with long-term, comprehensive health care and fair economic compensation. Thousands of those who responded to the tragedy at Ground Zero—firefighters, police officers, and other rescue workers—were exposed to dangerous toxins, leaving them with chronic, deadly diseases. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act ensures that these heroes receive the medical care that they deserve.

“These brave men and women sacrificed their personal well-being to serve their country on one of its darkest days,” said Rep. Watson. “The least we can do is provide them with the medical care and treatments that they so sorely need. Anything less would be unconscionable.”

Named for James Zadroga, a police officer who died at 34 from respiratory diseases contracted at Ground Zero, the bill provides medical monitoring and treatment to the over 71,000 people exposed to harmful toxins and dust on the scene. The bill also reopens the September 11, 2011 Victim Compensation Fund to provide monetary compensation for those physically injured by the attacks or by response activities and debris removal. It is fully paid-for over the next 10 years by a provision preventing foreign multinational firms from avoiding United States taxes by routing income through other haven countries.

“I am proud of all the hard work my colleagues have done to bring this bill to the floor again,” said Rep. Watson. “Although Congressional Republicans played politics with the lives of these heroic Americans and caused the bill to fail in July, today we have triumphed in passing this long-awaited legislation. Today is the next step in the healing process—both for our first responders and for this country.”

The bill is supported by a long list of groups, including the International Association of Firefighters, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, and American Council of Engineering Companies.