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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, gave the following opening statement at a subcommittee hearing this morning on H.R.847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2008.
"Good morning. Today the Subcommittee is meeting to review H.R. 847, the “James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009,” introduced by Ms. Maloney, Mr. Nadler, and Mr. King. I would like to thank all of you for your commitment to this very important piece of legislation.
"Last year, the Subcommittee held two hearings on this issue; to examine medical monitoring and treatment programs for those affected by 9/11 diseases and a legislative hearing on a similar bill to the one before us today. Both of these hearings provided us with vital information on this issue.
Eight years ago, our country was struck by horrible tragedy. People lost their lives, families were shattered; and our nation responded. Individuals from all over the country rushed to the aide of those in need, not stopping to think about the effects on their health or lives.
"No one will ever forget those horrifying days. I was at the site with President Bush and many of my colleagues shortly after the attacks and saw the dedication and determination of rescue workers and volunteers who pushed themselves to the brink of exhaustion and beyond.
"In the month following the 9/11 attacks, I attended a field hearing with Congressman Nadler in New York City, to investigate the presence of hazardous waste and the health implications for those who were exposed. We did not know then if there would be any long-term effects or just how debilitating they would be.
"We now have a more in-depth understanding of how the dust, glass fragments and other toxins released into the air affected both responders and community residents. Studies have shown that individuals present during and immediately after the attack now suffer from new or worsened respiratory diseases, gastro-esophageal disorders, and mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder.
"We in Congress have an obligation to our nation's heroes and to the victims of these attacks. It is our turn to step up to the plate and come to their aide. The bill before us today is a vital step in that direction.
"H.R. 847 would establish a permanent program to monitor and screen eligible residents and responders and provide medical treatment for those suffering from World Trade Center related diseases. It would direct the Department of Health and Human Services 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 would build 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 these centers is located in my district and is run by Dr. Iris Udasin. The UMDNJ World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program was established in January 2003 to study, interpret, and treat medical symptoms commonly occurring in responders and volunteers. The center currently serves approximately 1,370 patients. I have visited the center and have seen the work that Dr. Udasin and her team are doing to help our nation's heroes. Their in-depth knowledge of these complex conditions is crucial to all their patients and we must ensure that this program is permanently funded so they can continue providing this excellent care.
"Again, I would like to thank all the sponsors of this bill for your tireless efforts on this very crucial issue and I look forward to hearing from you all today. I would also like to thank the other witnesses for appearing before us today to share their expertise, in particular Mr. Torres who is from my home state of New Jersey and who is one of the first responders to the 9/11 attacks. We will be hearing Mr. Torres’ story today and on behalf of everyone in this room, I would like to say thank you.
"I now recognize my colleague from Georgia, Mr. Deal, for three minutes for his opening statement."
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