New Momentum for 9/11 Aid Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Posted: September 13, 2015

Contact:

Benjamin Chevat
Ben.Chevat@renew911health.org

-Nine U.S. Senators, 28 U.S. Reps. Cosponsored Zadroga Act
Reauthorization in Last Week-

New York, NY – Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act and 9/11 advocate John Feal are applauding significant new support in Congress for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. The legislation would reauthorize health care and compensation programs, due to expire next year, for sick, injured, and dying 9/11 first responders and survivors.

In the last week, nine U.S. Senators and 28 Members of Congress, from both parties, have cosponsored the Zadroga Act reauthorization. Senators signing on to the bill include David Vitter, Republican of Louisiana; Kelly Ayotte, Republican of New Hampshire; and Bill Nelson, Democrat of Florida – whose state is home to 2,183 9/11 first responders and survivors, by far the largest number outside of the New York City area. Recent cosponsors in the House include many members of the Committee on Homeland Security, including Chairman Michael McCaul [R-TX] and Rep. Candice Miler [R-MI]. A full list of new supporters follows below.

“Thanks to the advocacy of 9/11 responders and survivors, we are starting to gain traction. Next week, we will be walking the halls of Congress with Jon Stewart – and as Members of Congress learn the scope of the health crisis facing 33,000 of their constituents, living in every state, we are hopeful that they will ‘remember 9/11,’ when the nation was united,” said James Slevin, FDNY, Vice President, Uniformed Firefighters Association, Local 94 and Board Member of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act.

“9/11 health programs save lives and they need to continue as long as we’re alive. We deserve permanent aid, like coal miners and nuclear workers already get. It’s the least the country can do. All eyes are on Congress to ensure that desperately-needed medical care and compensation will be there for as long as 9/11 first responders, survivors, and their families need it,” said John Feal, 9/11 responder advocate.

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Topline statistics on 9/11 health crisis:

72,000 Americans will lose access to 9/11 medical monitoring or treatment if Congress allows the Zadroga Act to expire.

33,000 Americans are sick or injured because of the attacks – most have more than one ailment.

12,150 Disabled 9/11 rescuers have been deemed eligible for compensation – but this aid would likely be cut in half unless Congress acts.

4,166 Americans have been diagnosed with cancers caused by 9/11 – and doctors say this number will grow significantly in years to come.

85 NYPD officers have reportedly passed away from 9/11-related illnesses, more than died on 9/11 itself. Over 130 firefighters have died of 9/11 illnesses, as well.

New cosponsors of the Zadroga Reauthorization Act:

Senators
Full list of cosponsors

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] Sen. Ayotte, Kelly [R-NH] Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD] Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL] Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM] Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT] Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA] Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR] Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA]

Members of Congress
Full list of cosponsors

Rep. Miller, Candice S. [R-MI-10] Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10] Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1] Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9] Rep. Graham, Gwen [D-FL-2] Rep. Langevin, James R. [D-RI-2] Rep. Rooney, Thomas J. [R-FL-17] Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2] Rep. Kirkpatrick, Ann [D-AZ-1] Rep. Bustos, Cheri [D-IL-17] Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] Rep. Sanchez, Loretta [D-CA-46] Rep. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL-8] Rep. Lawrence, Brenda L. [D-MI-14] Rep. Hahn, Janice [D-CA-44] Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5] Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1] Rep. Ashford, Brad [D-NE-2] Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1] Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34] Rep. Hurd, Will [R-TX-23] Rep. Beyer, Donald S., Jr. [D-VA-8] Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9] Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9] Rep. Kildee, Daniel T. [D-MI-5] Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA-32] Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7] Rep. Farenthold, Blake [R-TX-27]