Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced today that the Continuing Resolution just introduced to fund the federal government beyond the end of the 2019 Fiscal Year includes a provision he fought to have included that will increase enrollment numbers for the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program. The increase was necessary after Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar notified Congress two weeks ago, as required in the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, that the enrollment numbers for responders had hit 80 percent of capacity. Chairman Pallone issued the following statement today:
“I’m pleased that we reached an agreement ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors will continue to be able to enroll in the 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program with no interruption and for years to come. Since being notified by Secretary Azar that the enrollment cap for responders had hit 80 percent, I have been working with HHS, my Committee colleagues in the House and Senate and the Congressional leadership to raise the caps. The Continuing Resolution introduced today triples both the separate caps for responders and survivors from 25,000 to 75,000, guaranteeing that new enrollees will have access to the treatment they deserve. This enrollment expansion once again demonstrates our continuing commitment to responders and survivors. We will never forget the sacrifices they have made in service to our nation."
