9/11 Health Legislation Advances in Congress
March 16, 2010

The federal 9/11 Health and Compensation Act cleared a significant hurdle in the House of Representatives.

After vigorous lobbying by New York City officials, the New York Congressional delegation, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, first responders, labor unions and lower Manhattan community representatives and survivors, an amended version of the legislation was voted out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Representative Frank Pallone, Jr.

“Over the past 6 months, I have worked tirelessly on moving this bill through my subcommittee,” said Pallone.  “My staff, alongside the authors of the bill, members of the NY delegation, victims and their families, as well as the advocates that represent them, have continued around the clock to strengthen the bill and ensure its passage.”

Mayor Bloomberg released the following statement after the 25-8 bipartisan vote on March 16:

“Today’s approval of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act by the House Health Subcommittee marks an important step in our effort to secure sustained medical monitoring and treatment for the first responders and survivors of the September 11th attacks.  The events of that day were an attack on America, and addressing its health impacts demands a federal response. With this vote, Congress recognizes that important truth.

“I would like to thank Chairman Frank Pallone of New Jersey, and the New York members of the subcommittee – Representatives Anthony Weiner and Eliot Engel – who helped make this outcome possible. I would also like to commend the hard work and dedication of Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler who have worked for years to move this important legislation.

 “I look forward to passage by the full House and to working with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Senate sponsor, and Senator Chuck Schumer on moving this bill in the Senate in the near future.”