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Reauthorization of the Zadroga 9/11 bill is an American duty (editorial)
Republican Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois supports the Zadroga Reauthorization Act. (AP file photo)
To New Yorkers, especially to those of us on Staten Island, the duty to help the sick or injured heroes of 9/11 is virtually undisputed. Unfortunately, this isn't so everywhere in America.
Not until almost a decade after the World Trade Center was destroyed in 2001 did Congress finally OK broad medical benefits and compensation for emergency responders and survivors of the catastrophe.
However, in a political compromise that became necessary to win sufficient support among holdouts for passage, lawmakers on Capitol Hill agreed to impose time limits on the life of the $4.3-billion James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The WTC Health Program, which treats ailing victims in all 50 states, is due to end in 2015, and the reopened September 11 Victim Compensation Fund is to expire in 2016.
Our nation must not let this happen.
"The people who rushed to the towers on 9/11 and in the days and weeks after are veterans of the War on Terror, and in this country, we take care of our veterans -- no ifs, ands, or buts," vowed Sen. Charles Schumer of New York.
Mr. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) led a bipartisan group of legislators in Washington that joined to announce support for a Reauthorization Act to make the vitally needed Zadroga programs permanent.
Death toll still rising
Almost 3,000 people were killed at the site of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Alarmingly, many more have died since.
Today over 30,000 responders and survivors have an illnesses or injuries from the attacks or exposure to lethal toxins while toiling at Ground Zero. They are receiving care through the WTC Health Program. Zadroga benefits also apply to those affected by terrorist plane crashes on 9/11 at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.
"Nearly 14 years ago, we relied on our first responders to lead the rescue and recovery work at Ground Zero, in Shanksville and at the Pentagon -- we cannot turn our back now when they need us most," Ms. Gillibrand said.
Disabled victims of the disaster, many of whom can no longer work, are suffering from a host of chronic diseases, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.
In addition to the those undergoing medical treatment, more than 60,000 responders and survivors are being monitored.
Increase in cancer cases
One of the major concerns is the rise in cancer.
So far, there are nearly 4,000 certified 9/11 cancers among the responders and survivors in the WTC Health Program, including more than 950 New York City Fire Department members.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has added several types of cancers to the list of 9/11-related illnesses covered by the Zadroga program.
Ground Zero workers have gotten certain cancers -- including prostate, thyroid, and multiple myeloma -- at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Post-9/11 illnesses have caused major financial strains on victims and their families. Without federal support, they would be forced to bear the high costs of health care.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was reopened under the Zadroga legislation, provides for economic losses to ailing responders and survivors.
Now almost 5,000 injured 9/11 individuals have been found eligible for compensation that has totaled over $1 billion.
Paying the price
Back in 2010, one of the chief concerns of those who opposed the Zadroga bill was the ultimate costs of health care and financial compensation.
But many of the heroes of Sept. 11 have paid and still are paying far higher prices for their patriotism.
This is why the Zadroga medical care and other benefits should be made permanent.
Republicans from states distant from New York were among those who were reluctant to back the original bill. But it shouldn't be a partisan or a regional issue.
As Mr. Schumer says, it's an American issue.
Lawmakers should, after all this time, be able to put aside regionalism and recognize the solemn duty all Americans owe to those who are still suffering.
Perhaps something like that nationwide awakening may finally be happening: The Zadroga 9/11 Reauthorization Act is backed by two Senate GOP co-sponsors: Mark Kirk of Illinois and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
"As a Republican from the heartland, I'm going to say that I love New York," Mr. Kirk said.
We applaud his patriotism.
Let's hope that view prevails.
Not until almost a decade after the World Trade Center was destroyed in 2001 did Congress finally OK broad medical benefits and compensation for emergency responders and survivors of the catastrophe.
However, in a political compromise that became necessary to win sufficient support among holdouts for passage, lawmakers on Capitol Hill agreed to impose time limits on the life of the $4.3-billion James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The WTC Health Program, which treats ailing victims in all 50 states, is due to end in 2015, and the reopened September 11 Victim Compensation Fund is to expire in 2016.
Our nation must not let this happen.
"The people who rushed to the towers on 9/11 and in the days and weeks after are veterans of the War on Terror, and in this country, we take care of our veterans -- no ifs, ands, or buts," vowed Sen. Charles Schumer of New York.
Mr. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) led a bipartisan group of legislators in Washington that joined to announce support for a Reauthorization Act to make the vitally needed Zadroga programs permanent.
Death toll still rising
Almost 3,000 people were killed at the site of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Alarmingly, many more have died since.
Today over 30,000 responders and survivors have an illnesses or injuries from the attacks or exposure to lethal toxins while toiling at Ground Zero. They are receiving care through the WTC Health Program. Zadroga benefits also apply to those affected by terrorist plane crashes on 9/11 at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa.
"Nearly 14 years ago, we relied on our first responders to lead the rescue and recovery work at Ground Zero, in Shanksville and at the Pentagon -- we cannot turn our back now when they need us most," Ms. Gillibrand said.
Disabled victims of the disaster, many of whom can no longer work, are suffering from a host of chronic diseases, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.
In addition to the those undergoing medical treatment, more than 60,000 responders and survivors are being monitored.
Increase in cancer cases
One of the major concerns is the rise in cancer.
So far, there are nearly 4,000 certified 9/11 cancers among the responders and survivors in the WTC Health Program, including more than 950 New York City Fire Department members.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has added several types of cancers to the list of 9/11-related illnesses covered by the Zadroga program.
Ground Zero workers have gotten certain cancers -- including prostate, thyroid, and multiple myeloma -- at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Post-9/11 illnesses have caused major financial strains on victims and their families. Without federal support, they would be forced to bear the high costs of health care.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which was reopened under the Zadroga legislation, provides for economic losses to ailing responders and survivors.
Now almost 5,000 injured 9/11 individuals have been found eligible for compensation that has totaled over $1 billion.
Paying the price
Back in 2010, one of the chief concerns of those who opposed the Zadroga bill was the ultimate costs of health care and financial compensation.
But many of the heroes of Sept. 11 have paid and still are paying far higher prices for their patriotism.
This is why the Zadroga medical care and other benefits should be made permanent.
Republicans from states distant from New York were among those who were reluctant to back the original bill. But it shouldn't be a partisan or a regional issue.
As Mr. Schumer says, it's an American issue.
Lawmakers should, after all this time, be able to put aside regionalism and recognize the solemn duty all Americans owe to those who are still suffering.
Perhaps something like that nationwide awakening may finally be happening: The Zadroga 9/11 Reauthorization Act is backed by two Senate GOP co-sponsors: Mark Kirk of Illinois and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
"As a Republican from the heartland, I'm going to say that I love New York," Mr. Kirk said.
We applaud his patriotism.
Let's hope that view prevails.
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4 comments
You aren't the only one getting screwed, I helped pull out the two port authority cops and I have been told as far as the government is concerned I was never there. So I know all to well. Read my FB page of how I got there and what I did. At least you will know you aren't alone. I've been fighting for 4 years now just to keep from starving to death and pay bills. What ever happened to 9/11 Never Forget???? BS all BS. I was self employed and have been unable to work at all, SSDI said we've determined that while you can't do what you've done for the last 15 years you can still do something!!! Like what freeze to death in the winter because I can't heat my house or pay my bills. The NY volunteer disability fund said I'm not a volunteer because I never got any commendations or a FEMA badge. Well much like Katrina I beat them there by days. Stop wasting money on this science project and give us real health care and a little self respect.
The true heroes in this world are those who have sacrificed of themselves for the service of others. Whether they put their lives on the line for other people or for their country. Some of these heroes might be your neighbor and you'd never know it. They never ask for anything, they never expect to be treated differently, they just want to be able to live their lives with a little respect and dignity.
Signed:
A Tired First Responder
The re-authorization of this bill doesn't mean a thing!
I was a first responder on September 11th (I got there as the second tower fell) I did not have to go there, my coworkers and my self felt it was our duty to go there and do what we could. Unfortunately I have been diagnosed with WTC related cancer, you know what I have received? NOTHING! I have had to pay for ALL my co payments deductibles etc., in addition I have not been able to work, and I have yet to receive a nickel. The Police Department doesn't even have a cancer or an encologist doctor on their disability board.
I am not only talking about myself, unfortunately there are friends of mine that have also been diagnosed and being treated for WTC related cancers and haven't received anything either.
Create a bill or improve the Zadroga act so the victims of these attacks are compensated and get the help they need.
I do not want to seem ungrateful, I thank God that I am alive and doing well.
God Bless America.
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