Statement from Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act on the Inclusion in the “Build Back Better” Bill of Funding for the World Trade Center Health Program

Maloney, Nadler, Pallone, Schumer, Gillibrand ensure health care for thousands of injured and 9/11 responders and survivors

WASHINGTON, DC – Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act applauded the inclusion of the funding needed to ensure health care for thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors in the Build Back Better Bill (HR 5376) and the successful efforts of Members of Congress Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Frank Pallone and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.

The funding language tracks the “9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act,” HR.4965/S. 2683, which addresses the impending shortfall facing the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and provides full funding for the program for the next ten years.

In addition, the Build Back Better bill contains authorization for the World Trade Center Health Program to create a research cohort to better study the impact of the toxins at Ground Zero on those residents and students who were children and young adults at the time of the attack. Currently there is insufficient data on the potential health impacts because of the lack of sufficient research capabilities.

Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act said, “Reps. Maloney, Nadler and Pallone, and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have kept faith with the pledge to “Never Forget” by making sure the funding for 9/11 responders and survivors was included in the Build Back Better Bill. Their work is a testament to their continuing determination to ensure that those injured and dealing with the impact of the toxins at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville will continue to be cared for.”

While Congress authorized the health program to remain open until 2090, the funding needs of the WTCHP are projected to exceed the current funding formula that was created in 2015. With the inclusion of this funding in the Build Back Better legislation which Congress is considering this week, the WTCHP will have the sufficient funds it needs to provide care for all those still suffering the physical and mental impacts of 9/11 over the next ten years. This includes responders and survivors who will be newly diagnosed with 9/11-associated cancers caused by their toxic exposures.