Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a former FBI agent who worked in New York City side by side with these very people we are seeking to protect today. We are here united with our colleagues from both sides of the aisle to renew the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

Madam Speaker, as was said repeatedly on this floor, this matter is urgent and cannot wait any longer.

On that fateful day nearly 18 years ago, American heroes rushed to save their fellow citizens without regard for their own safety. They paid a heavy price, with many today suffering from respiratory illnesses from breathing in toxic dust at Ground Zero, dust that contained lead, asbestos, mercury, and many other contaminants.

Just last month, our Nation mourned the loss of Detective Luis Alvarez, who inspired us all with his visit to Capitol Hill this year. His bravery and the bravery of all the people who sacrificed must be honored appropriately. In his memory and to honor all the brave men and women who saved lives that day, we must get this done.

Madam Speaker, as the vice chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus--24 Democrats and 24 Republicans--we have endorsed this bill. We worked very hard to get over the 290-cosponsor threshold to get this on the Consensus Calendar. It currently stands at 332 cosponsors.

I thank Jon Stewart for elevating the profile of this bill. It was incredibly important for its success.

I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to come together and support our Nation's heroes. ``Never forget'' must mean never forget.

These are people who did the opposite of what we are all born with, as far as our instincts go. For every single one of us, based on our genetic DNA, are instincts are to run away from danger. These are men and women who do the opposite. They run toward the danger at great physical sacrifice and at great psychological and emotional sacrifice, all in the name of serving a cause bigger than themselves.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this and make this unanimous.

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