Maloney Statement on Senate introduction of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act

Statement of Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney upon the introduction of the companion Senate version of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act:

 

"I’m thrilled to be here this morning as we take another important step toward ensuring that the heroes and heroine of 9/11 get the health care and compensation they need and deserve— the Senate introduction of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. 

"And I’m pleased to be joined by such a distinguished group of leaders who will be championing the bill:  Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Lautenberg, Menendez, Mayor Bloomberg, and my House colleagues Reps. Nadler, Peter King, and McMahon, and others.

"The bill being introduced today, like its House counterpart, would provide long-term, mandatory funding for medical monitoring and treatment to World Trade Center responders and community members who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins.  It would also reopen the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide compensation for economic losses, and provide liability protections for the WTC contractors and the City of New York.  Funding for most of the bill will not be subject to yearly Congressional appropriations battles, as we’ve had to fight for the last seven years, but rather will be mandatory spending.

"On the other side of the Capitol, we’re working hard with Speaker Pelosi to move the 9/11 health bill to the House floor.  Even with the very busy legislative schedule including major energy and health care reform bills, we have every expectation that we can pass our bill by the 8th anniversary this September.

"With the bills in the House and Senate both working their way through the legislative process, and now with a president who actually supports caring for the heroes of 9/11, we could soon see the promise of long-term care and compensation that has been withheld these many years.
"Together, we will continue to fight for the heroes of 9/11 until they get the help they need and deserve.  It is the least we can do as a grateful nation."