U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) are original cosponsors of new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would extend authorization for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) of 2001 through fiscal year 2090.
“We must see these programs continue to ensure that those who bravely stepped forward to help our nation in its darkest hour have the benefits and care we promised,” Rep. Lance said.
Cancer rates among 9/11 first responders reportedly have continued to rise since the terror attacks, putting strain on and potentially depleting the VCF prior to its 2020 expiration date, according to lawmakers.
“This bipartisan team of lawmakers won’t allow the Victim Compensation Fund to let anyone down,” said Rep. Lance, who helped guide reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program and September 11th Victim Compensation Fund through the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee in 2015.
Sen. Gardner echoed that sentiment. “After all they have done for us, our nation cannot and will not turn its back on them,” he said. “This bipartisan group will work relentlessly to advance our legislation to provide them the care they deserve.”
“I’ll never forget the images and video of brave women and men running into danger to help save thousands of people,” the senator added. “These heroes now live across the country, including in Colorado, and have sacrificed so much.”
Sen. Gardner is the sole Republican and lead original cosponsor of S. 3591, introduced on Oct. 11 by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), which has 16 other original cosponsors, all Democrats.
Rep. Lance is among 34 original cosponsors of the identical bill, H.R. 7062, introduced on Oct. 12 by U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). The other members supporting the House version also include U.S. Reps. Dan Donovan (R-NY), Barbara Comstock (R-VA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
If enacted, the fund would be permanently reauthorized and would ensure that 9/11 first responders who become sick with certified 9/11 illnesses in the future would be covered by the VCF program.
“Any reduction in the benefits for 9/11 first responders and their loved ones simply cannot happen,” Rep. Lance said. “First responders to the 9/11 attacks came from every state and every corner of America – this wasn’t a burden shared only by our neighbors and friends in New York and New Jersey.”
Sen. Gillibrand said cancer rates among 9/11 first responders are higher than ever and the 9/11 death toll continues to rise. “Congress needs to stand up for them,” she said. “We simply cannot turn our backs on our 9/11 heroes and let the Victim Compensation Fund expire.”
The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., killed 2,997 and injured thousands of other people.
Since then, tens of thousands of Americans, including first responders, relief workers and local residents, have died or become ill from exposure to a toxic combination of burning chemicals, drywall and cement, according to a statement released last week by Sen. Gardner’s office.
Cancer certifications by the World Trade Center Health Program this year reached more than 10,000 cases, according to the statement, which noted that the VCF already has approved roughly 19,000 claims.
S. 3591 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, while H.R. 7062 is being reviewed by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.