Let’s Do the Right Thing for 9/11 Responders

As we mark the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, we need to remember that there are many first responders who answered the call on that fateful day and are still suffering the consequences for their brave actions.

The James Zadroga 9/11 health bill, named for the late NYPD Detective, was intended to reopen the federal Victims Compensation Fund to provide aid to first responders and other workers sickened by their valiant efforts at the World Trade Center.

The measure in question called for $3.2 billion in medical aid over eight years and $4.2 billion in economic compensation. This is a small price to pay for the walking wounded still suffering physical and economic hardship. It’s hard to work when you can’t breathe,

In a shameful display of election-year politics, the House of Representatives recently rejected the measure that would provide needed help for rescue workers still suffering from the destruction of the World Trade Center. This action is an insult to the tens of thousands of police, firefighters, and other workers who pitched in for weeks during the cleanup and have developed serious illnesses from the toxic dust and debris of Ground Zero.

The measure will come up for another vote under simple-majority rules when Congress comes back to work this month. We urge our readers to contact their representatives in Congress, voicing your support for this important legislation.

We need to do the right thing for our 9/11 responders