Congressman Lee Zeldin Calls for Vote on Permanent Extension of Zadroga Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, C- NY 1) today called for a vote on the permanent extension of The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R.1786), legislation that he co-sponsors in Congress.

Congressman Zeldin said, “It’s essential that The Zadroga Act is extended so that the necessary assistance is provided to our 9/11 first responders. This initiative may be funded for another year, but it must be permanently extended immediately to provide peace of mind to our 9/11 first responders and their families. After 9/11, we vowed to never forget; this is a critical way we can remember and help all of those who showed enormous amounts of courage and bravery in the aftermath of the attack on America. The Zadroga Act must be brought to the House floor immediately and I will fight in Congress to make sure it is done.”

The James Zadroga Act was originally passed in 2010, and established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. While both programs have adequate funding to carry through next year, the healthcare fund authorization has lapsed and should be reauthorized immediately.

“This legislation would permanently extend this initiative ensuring that those first responders receive the care they earned and need for years to come,” concluded Congressman Zeldin.

The many advocacy groups in support of this bill include the International Association of Fire Fighters, National Association of Police Organizations, AFL-CIO, The Feal Good Foundation, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriff’s Association, National Treasury Employees Union, National Troopers Coalition, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (NYPD), Detectives’ Endowment Association (NYPD), Sergeants Benevolent Association (NYPD), Lieutenants Benevolent Association (NYPD), Captains Endowment Association (NYPD), and Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.

This legislation has significant bipartisan support in Congress, with over 180 co-sponsors.