Op-Ed: Never Forget the Heroes

Press Release

Op-ed by Congressman Lee Zeldin

Kevin from Smithtown is a former NYPD police officer who worked on and around the pile at Ground Zero for close to 12 months. In January of 2018, Kevin was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma and underwent 6 months of chemotherapy, which left him with devastating symptoms that will stay will him for the rest of his life.

James Zadroga was another one of the many fearless leaders who stepped up in the wake of 9/11. He was also the first NYPD officer whose death in 2006 was connected to toxic exposure at the World Trade Center site. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was signed into law in 2011 to help our 9/11 first responders.

Five years later, the Zadroga Act was permanently reauthorized and included $4.6 billion for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) over five-years, which was established to provide compensation for the victims of 9/11 and their families, and continues to provide compensation for those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses and their loved ones.

First responders who worked on the pile day and night, aiding in the search, rescue and clean up efforts were breathing in toxic debris and ash that are now known to have caused over 50 different types of cancer.

However, last month, the Special Master of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund issued an alarming report, which stated its funding was insufficient to compensate all claims and the fund would have to make severe cuts to awards across the board. This is unacceptable and regardless of party affiliation, regardless of which district or state you come from, it is imperative legislation to fully fund the VCF is passed and sent to the President immediately to become law so we can ensure these victims receive the compensation they deserve.

These include the very men and women who in the face of evil were willing to put it all on the line to help save their fellow Americans, who ran into the towers as everyone ran out. It is unconscionable that time and again they have been forced to plead their case as to why they are worthy of our support.

After learning of the across the board cuts to claims, Kevin wrote to me saying, "to give out awards reduced by 70% is a slap in my face and all others that are now suffering."

He's right. When he was working the pile day and night for months on end, he wasn't thinking about himself or what this might mean for his future. Kevin was thinking about our nation. In the wake of unimaginable terror, Kevin was there for us - stepping up to the plate to do what had to be done. The idea that now, during his time of need, we would abandon him and renege on our promises appauls me.

This past September 11th, 17 years since the attacks, we came together as we always do to remember those who were taken from us on that day. But last year marked an especially harrowing occasion. By the end of the 2018, more people had died from 9/11 related illnesses than were killed on September 11th.

That's one of the most important reasons why Congress must immediately pass the Never Forget the Heroes Act, which will fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and reauthorize it to 2090, ensuring 9/11 victims and their families receive the support they have more than earned.

We cannot hesitate in taking action. We cannot hesitate when it comes to keeping our promises to these brave men and women. In honor of them and the families who carry on their memory, Congress must do its job and fully fund the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. In the aftermath of 9/11 we vowed we'd never forget, and we're going to make sure of it.

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