Lawmakers Urge Trump to Reverse Cuts to 9/11 Health Care
New York Lawmakers Oppose Staff Cuts and Grant Cancellations
Members of Congress from both parties are united in their opposition to staff cuts and grant cancellations that restrict medical care for 9/11 responders and survivors. New York’s senate and congressional delegations agree that federal cuts to the budget will harm New Yorkers by delaying necessary treatment.
Trump Administration’s Cost-Cutting Measures
After his inauguration, President Donald Trump began slashing federal staff through the Department of Government Efficiency, a program designed to reduce costs by firing probationary workers and offering buyouts to others. This move resulted in a nearly 20% workforce reduction at the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
Program Cuts and Cancellations
The program, part of the 2010 James Zadroga Act, helps over 130,000 Sept. 11 first responders and survivors. The Trump administration also canceled a research grant for comparing disease rates between the New York City Fire Department (NYPD) and other fire departments, tracking new health problems stemming from Ground Zero.
Lawmakers’ Response
Lawmakers from both sides warned about patients facing disastrous wait times for serious 9/11-linked illnesses like cancer. They urge Trump and his cabinet to rehire staff, restore research funds, protect the program from more cuts, and provide survivors with the care they deserve.
Democratic Senators’ Letter
Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand want Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse the cuts. They wrote a letter to Kennedy on February 17, which is available at the bottom of this story.
Republican Lawmakers’ Letter
Republican lawmakers from New York and one from New Jersey also sent a letter to the feds, asking to rehire fired WTCHP staff and restore the FDNY grant. Only one Republican congressmember from New York, Rep. Elise Stefanik, did not sign it. The letter is addressed directly to Trump and is also available at the bottom of this story.
Attorney General’s Statement
Attorney General Letitia James roasted the move, calling it cruel and unacceptable. “Thousands of New Yorkers made heroic sacrifices to save others during this attack and are experiencing lifelong health impacts as a result,” she said. “These heroes deserve the utmost respect and care from their government.”
Conclusion
The fate of the 9/11 health care program rests in the hands of President Trump and his administration. Lawmakers from both parties urge the reversal of staff cuts and grant cancellations to ensure that 9/11 responders and survivors receive the necessary care.
FAQs
* What is the 9/11 health care program?
+ The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) is a program that provides medical care to those affected by the 9/11 attacks.
* What are the concerns about the program’s future?
+ The program faces potential staff cuts and grant cancellations, which could delay necessary treatment for 9/11 responders and survivors.
* What is the stance of lawmakers on this issue?
+ Lawmakers from both parties urge the reversal of staff cuts and grant cancellations to ensure that 9/11 responders and survivors receive the necessary care.
