The 2016 Omnibus resolution that will be voted on in the House Friday includes a critical provision to extend much-needed health care coverage for the brave men and women who participated in the rescue, recovery and clean-up of Ground Zero.
“The men and women who responded to the horrific attacks did so with unparalleled courage and without hesitation—concerned only for the welfare of individuals in and around the World Trade Center, not for the potential that they may become sick years later,” said Smith, an early and active supporter of establishing the program who has cosponsored the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (HR 1786) to permanently extend it. “Enactment of this provision will solidify the commitment that we as a nation made to honor and remember the victims, their families, and first responders by ensuring they receive the care and treatment they need and have earned.”
The World Trade Center Health Program, which expired at the end of September provides medical monitoring and healthcare coverage for the firefighters, police officers, and emergency response personnel from New York, New Jersey and around the country who responded to the 9/11 attacks. As a result of exposure to toxins and other hazards at the site, many have since experienced respiratory injuries and illnesses.
“During one of the darkest times in our country’s history, our emergency responders reminded all Americans that when challenged, everyday men and women become heroes,” Smith said. “This reauthorization continues the tangible benefits now aiding them through their battles with these serious, and unfortunately often fatal, illnesses.”
The legislation is named after James Zadroga, a New Jersey native who responded on 9/11 as a member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He died from a respiratory disease in 2006 at age 34 in his parents’ home in Little Egg Harbor Township in Ocean County.
The Omnibus bill also includes an extension of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF, as expanded by the Zadroga Act) which provides compensation for economic losses experienced by responders who suffered physical illness or injury.
Smith’s support for the Zadroga Act is one of the many actions he has taken as a consistent and effective supporter of programs and benefits for those who survived 9/11 as well as the thousands of family members who lost a loved one killed in the attack. He helped lead on several legislative initiatives including a timely tax relief package and the creation of the Victims Compensation Fund. He was the lead Republican in the effort to establish the independent investigation known as the 9/11 Commission and he chaired several hearings himself investigating what can and should be done to make America safer.
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