The serious health impacts of the 9/11 disaster were both immediate and long-term, affecting thousands of Ground Zero responders and downtown residents and office workers, as well as children in the City’s school system and significant portions of the region’s population as a whole. The federal response to these health emergencies has been inadequate and disappointing because of significant funding delays, a lack of organization, and failures to respond to the full degree necessary by the administration’s health agencies.
In the current session of Congress, I have introduced along with Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY) and Michael McMahon (D-NY), H.R. 847, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The Senate companion bill (S. 1334) was introduced by Sens Gillibrand, Schumer, Lautenberg, and Menendez on July 24, 2009. This was the first time comprehensive 9/11 health legislation had been introduced in the Senate.
I am also asking asking individuals exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero to share their stories with me. If you are willing to share your story, I ask that you take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire:
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Legislation
In February 2009 I introduced along with Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Michael McMahon, H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Act.
H.R. 847, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act would:
- Provide medical monitoring and treatment to WTC responders and community members (area workers, residents, students and others) who were exposed to toxins released at Ground Zero,
- Build on the existing monitoring and treatment program by delivering expert medical treatment for these unique exposures at Centers of Excellence,
- Reopen the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to provide compensation for economic losses and harm as an alternative to the current litigation system, and
- Provide liability protections for the WTC contractors and the City of New York.
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LinksFor assistance visit:
World Trade Center Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
New York City Department of Health
World Trade Center Health Resources from the Department of Health and Human Services
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