WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Health, chaired by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), today held a hearing to discuss bipartisan legislation to reauthorize crucial programs to help 9/11 victims and families. H.R. 1786, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, would provide important resources and certainty to programs that support those affected by the September 11th attacks, including the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program.
“The WTC Health Program funds networks of specialized medical programs. These programs are designed to monitor and treat those with 9/11 related conditions," said Pitts. “This legislation has begun an important conversation that will lead to a timely and fully offset reauthorization of the Health Program."
Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) described the courage and the efforts of first responders, the men and women affected by such programs the legislation will continue. “On Sept. 11, 2001, the world as we know it was turned upside down and left a mark on every American. First responders spent hours, days even, in air that was thick with dust and smoke digging through the rubble, and searching for survivors. When I visited Ground Zero just days after the attacks, New York’s finest were still working round the clock in impossible conditions for the recovery efforts - their selfless work took a toll on their health."
Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), a leader on H.R. 1786, added, “We need to perceive this as a national program impacting people who came and helped out on 9/11 and the aftermath from all parts of the country. … This bill is a critical first step in ensuring that the 9/11 Health Program is extended as soon as possible."
“By providing evaluation and treatment for those most affected by 9/11 as a single cohort, the program greatly aids not only the individual members, but also our national understanding of the long-term health effects of 9/11, including its effects on children," Dr. John Howard, Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said. “Without the WTC Health Program, there would simply be a less coordinated system of care for responders and survivors made sick by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks."
Witnesses from the New York City Police Department who were among the first responders during the attacks discussed the importance of the health programs H.R. 1786 aims to continue.
Retired officer David Howley emphasized that these programs are crucial to saving the lives of those affected by the attacks.
“I live with the consequences of 9/11 every day," Former detective Barbara Burnette added. “Every month I see the doctors at Mount Sinai to receive care and to renew my prescriptions. This program saves lives. It is saving my life. It provides a medical structure in my life by coordinating doctors and medications. … For these reasons, I would urge the committee to approve the bipartisan legislation before it."
