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Pallone Criticizes House Republicans for Blocking James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act |
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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Thursday criticized Republicans’ failure to support a program to provide health care to 9/11 first responders and area residents suffering from health conditions associated with the side effects of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. The vote on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, failed 255-159, as a suspension vote it requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
“This is a disappointing day for first responders and their families who have fought for this bill for so long,” said Pallone. “I believe we in Congress have an obligation to the heroes of 9/11 who we asked so much of in the weeks and months after the attacks. We owe it to them to provide the care they need and deserve after responding to this crisis with no questions asked.”
The legislation provides funding for the medical treatment of health conditions associated with those who were exposed to toxins at Ground Zero including first responders, residents and area workers. The Department of Health and Human Services would be directed to conduct and support research into new conditions that may be related to the attacks and to evaluate different and emerging methods of diagnosis and treatment. The legislation builds upon the expertise of the Centers of Excellence, which are currently providing high-quality care to thousands of responders and ensuring ongoing data collection and analysis to evaluate health risks. One of the Centers of Excellence is located at UMDNJ in Piscataway.
Pallone managed the bill on the House floor last night. It was voted out of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee earlier this year, which he chairs.
The legislation is the result of approximately 20 hearings on the public health effects of 9/11, with testimony from approximately 150 health experts, first responders, New York city residents, and city and state officials over eight years.
“It is our turn to ensure that the appropriate resources are available to take care of those now in need, I will continue to fight for this legislation until I see it signed into law,” said Pallone. |
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