Federal and State Legislation Supports 9/11 Responders and Survivors
New Bipartisan Efforts to Fund and Care for Those Affected by 9/11
In Washington, D.C. and Albany, bipartisan coalitions have advanced legislation to fund and care for those affected by 9/11. These measures offer practical ways to honor the sacrifices of 9/11 responders and survivors and ensure their continued care going forward.
U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
In the Senate, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand led the reintroduction of the “9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act” to address a funding shortfall in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). This bill updates the program’s formula to secure funds through 2090, expands access to mental health care, and increases funding for data collection on 9/11-related conditions.
The legislation would make several changes to protect the long-term viability of the WTCHP. It allows licensed mental health providers, not just physicians, to perform initial health evaluations and certify mental health conditions. It also extends the period for adding new 9/11-related health conditions from 90 to 180 days. Additionally, the bill streamlines credentials for health care providers in the program’s nationwide network and clarifies enrollment by specifically excluding dead responders and survivors.
New York State Legislature
In Albany, Democratic Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara introduced the “9/11 First Responders Emergency Healthcare Access Act” on February 24. This bill would create a $5 million Emergency Coverage Bridge Fund for any 9/11 responders or survivors, regardless of job title, needing timely medical care due to claims being delayed or appealed. The fund could apply to medical treatments, prescriptions, and urgent care for those who served during the recovery and cleanup of the World Trade Center attack site, Ground Zero.
The bill would also create a task force to monitor the distribution and effectiveness of resources, investigate disruptions, and recommend improvements. Every year, the Department of Health would report on the fund and collect data to inform future decisions.
Conclusion
These pieces of legislation follow recent controversial spending cuts at the WTCHP. Lawmakers have urged a reversal of these decisions, underscoring the damage to some 130,000 responders and survivors. The WTCHP, facing a roughly 20% workforce reduction, struggled to manage contracts or provide care. After public outcry, the Trump Administration reversed many of the cuts and rehired staff.
FAQs
* What is the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act?
The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act is a bill that aims to address a funding shortfall in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) by updating the program’s formula to secure funds through 2090, expanding access to mental health care, and increasing funding for data collection on 9/11-related conditions.
* What is the 9/11 First Responders Emergency Healthcare Access Act?
The 9/11 First Responders Emergency Healthcare Access Act is a bill that creates a $5 million Emergency Coverage Bridge Fund for any 9/11 responders or survivors, regardless of job title, needing timely medical care due to claims being delayed or appealed.
* What is the purpose of the American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act?
The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act is a bill that aims to support the 2015 U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which helps terror attack victims secure court-ordered judgments against state sponsors of terrorism like Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The bill would provide victims with annual payments, better oversight, and more staffing to handle claims.
* What is the FIRE Cancer Act?
The FIRE Cancer Act is a bill that offers free multi-cancer early detection screening to professional and volunteer firefighters. The legislation would amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to provide funding for cancer prevention and treatment.
