Legislation designed to secure continuous funding for healthcare treatment of first responders suffering from 9/11-related illnesses is gaining bipartisan momentum, as reported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and extended in 2015, provides critical healthcare to over 130,000 first responders and survivors.
Rising healthcare costs, however, have outpaced the program’s funding, prompting the need for additional legislative intervention.
Without further action, another funding shortfall is projected by 2028.
The recently introduced 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 aims to rectify this by providing mandatory funding and updating the outdated funding formula.
Firefighters and their advocates are urging Congress to pass the 2023 funding bill, emphasizing the importance of continuous care for responders.
IAFF General President Edward Kelly stated: “The IAFF is committed to ensuring those who responded to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 have access to the critical healthcare they need.”
First District Vice President James Slevin added: “Cancer can have a latency period of over 20 years, and new cases may emerge.
“We want to keep as many names off the walls of the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial as possible.”
The legislation seeks to ensure healthcare remains accessible as new cases develop.
In New York, the hardest-hit state, responders continue to suffer from illnesses linked to their participation in the 9/11 cleanup.
Since 2001, 370 more firefighters have died from toxic exposure-related illnesses.
According to Uniformed Firefighters Association President Andrew Ansbro: “At least two or three more are lost each and every month.”
The WTCHP provides vital care for those still battling health conditions stemming from their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero.
The program remains crucial for the well-being of firefighters and other first responders.
The proposed legislation would also allocate funds for further research into 9/11-related health conditions.
Research efforts have focused on cancers, respiratory diseases, and behavioral health conditions, all of which have affected first responders.
Uniformed Fire Officers Association Local 854 President Jim Brosi highlighted the ongoing health impacts: “We cannot undo the toxic exposure of 9/11, but we must provide access to high-quality healthcare that will allow those individuals the greatest likelihood of survival.”
IAFF members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress through the IAFF Action Center to support the passage of this bill, which is seen as essential to the long-term health and survival of 9/11 responders.
The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2023 has been introduced to provide permanent and mandatory funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).
The program, which was initially established in 2010 and extended in 2015, currently supports more than 130,000 first responders and survivors of the September 11 attacks.
Rising healthcare costs have outpaced the available funding, with a shortfall expected by 2028 if no action is taken.
The legislation seeks to update the funding formula and prevent future shortfalls, while also expanding funding for research into 9/11-related health issues such as cancer, respiratory disease, and behavioral health.