Washington, DC-- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) is outraged that the U.S. Senate failed to pass a procedural vote to enable a vote to take place on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.  The vote failed along party lines with the minority Senate Republicans voting to filibuster the legislation, at the same time as they have championed a tax deal which provides massive tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires.  They have abandoned the heroes of 9/11 because of financial reasons – everyone has to pay their way except for the wealthiest Americans.

Rep. Engel has been a long-time supporter of the legislation and is an original co-sponsor.  He is the senior New York Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and helped lead the bill out of the Health Subcommittee and the full Committee before the final vote in the full House.  This measure will provide needed help to the many thousands exposed to toxins at Ground Zero including 16,000 first responders, and at least 2,700 community members who are currently sick and receiving treatment.

“I am stunned that Senate Republicans can band together to demand tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, hold the unemployed hostage, and then turn around and block legislation to help the 9-11 heroes.  People from all over the country joined to help the victims and they never made conditions for a pledge to then have their country turn their backs on them in their time of need.  Victims of 9-11 continue to suffer from crippling physical ailments.  They are dying and have been ignored for almost a decade.  The House noticed, and Senate Democrats have noticed.  When will Republicans notice?” said Rep. Engel.

“Anyone who cast a vote against 9-11 heroes today sullied the memory of those who died and insulted those who are suffering on a daily basis.  I urge Senate Republicans to reconsider.  Perhaps if we included aid for 9-11 first responders and volunteers as part of the Republicans’ ultimate goal – tax cuts for the wealthy – then they will find it in their hearts to ease the suffering of these American heroes,” added Rep. Engel.

More than 400,000 people are believed to have been exposed to toxins at Ground Zero – including the nearly 16,000 first responders and 2,700 who lived in the area and who are sick and receiving treatment.  More than 40,000 first responders are being medically monitored and 71,000 people are enrolled in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry.  This legislation would provide medical monitoring and treatment to victims exposed at Ground Zero.  It provides for research into their 9/11 triggered health conditions.  It will also re-open the 9-11 Victim Compensation Fund for economic losses and harm, instead of the current litigation system.   The legislation would cover medical monitoring for those community residents who lived, worked, or were present within a 1.5 mile radius of the World Trade Center that day.  

“There is no going back in time to save those who died on September 11, nor to warn those who rushed to the scene of the health risks they would face.  In fact, at the time they were told by their government, a week after the attacks, that breathing the air at Ground Zero was safe.  We can help those who are still with us, and those who sadly could still develop diseases in the years ahead.  This is not a New York, New Jersey or Connecticut problem – this is an American problem,” added Rep. Engel.

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