Today, Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ inadequate draft legislation to reauthorize the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act for only five years:
“The Republicans’ proposed reauthorization of the Zadroga Act falls short of our responsibility to these first responders and their families. Not only does this reauthorization fail to provide the certainty these heroes need and deserve, it asks our nation’s seniors on Medicare to offset the costs. 9/11 first responders were on the front lines defending our national security on that September morning. It is the obligation of Congress, not seniors, to ensure that these men and women now have the care and resources they need.
“Fourteen years after they answered the call of duty when we needed them most, many are still forced to deal with the enduring after-effects of their service at Ground Zero. A permanent reauthorization of the Zadroga Act is the least we can do to uphold our responsibility and commitment to our 9/11 heroes."
