As we mark the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we need to
remember that there are many first responders who answered the call on that
fateful day and are still suffering the consequences for their brave
actions.
The James Zadroga 9/11 health bill, named for the late NYPD Detective, was
intended to reopen the federal Victims Compensation Fund to provide aid to
first responders and other workers sickened by their valiant efforts at the
World Trade Center.
The measure in question called for $3.2 billion in medical aid over eight
years and $4.2 billion in economic compensation. This is a small price to
pay for the walking wounded still suffering physical and economic hardship.
It’s hard to work when you can’t breathe,
In a shameful display of election-year politics, the House of
Representatives recently rejected the measure that would provide needed help
for rescue workers still suffering from the destruction of the World Trade
Center. This action is an insult to the tens of thousands of police,
firefighters, and other workers who pitched in for weeks during the cleanup
and have developed serious illnesses from the toxic dust and debris of
Ground Zero.
The measure will come up for another vote under simple-majority rules when
Congress comes back to work this month. We urge our readers to contact their
representatives in Congress, voicing your support for this important
legislation.
We need to do the right thing for our 9/11 responders
.
