Standing alongside first responders, U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY) recently called on Congress to reauthorize a bill ensuring health care for those who suffer from the effects of working at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act expired on Oct. 1. Two weeks later, Congress has still not acted to renew the bill.
“We know that tens of thousands of first responders and survivors across the country suffer from at least one 9/11-related illness or injury,” Hanna said. “Many have multiple, severe illnesses that impact their lives every day, including 4,000 responders and survivors with cancer. What we need to do as a nation is care for these men and women who served so bravely at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the days and years after. Congress needs to move with urgency and permanently reauthorize this program.”
Utica, New York Fire Chief Russell Brooks, who led a group of Utica firefighters into Ground Zero for rescue and recovery operations on the fateful day, is one of the 80 firefighters within Hanna’s district who is being monitored locally through the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act. He and others would be adversely affected if the legislation isn’t renewed. More than 50,000 other New Yorkers benefit from the programs under the bill.
“This program is saving lives for first responders who put their (lives) on the line 14 years ago,” Brooks said. “It should be extended permanently, and I urge Congress to do so without further delay. It’s the right thing.”