House Passes Delgado-Backed Legislation to Permanently Authorize 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

Statement

Today, the House passed Delgado-backed H.R. 1327, the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act which provides critical funding for first responders and others sickened due to exposure to toxins caused by the 9/11 attacks.

"Our nation will never be able to truly repay our first responders for their sacrifice to run towards danger to save lives on September 11th." Rep. Delgado continued, "Today, the House voted to take the long overdue step to permanently authorize the September 11thVictim Compensation Fund and ensure families who have seen reduced compensation payments are made whole again. The least we can do is give our heroes peace of mind that our grateful nation will be here to support and honor their service and sacrifice. I encourage the Senate to take up this legislation immediately to give these brave men and women the support they deserve."

H.R. 1327 extends the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) until 2092, similar to the timeline of the World Trade Center Health Program. The bill reauthorizes the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate first-responders and others who have become sickened because of exposure to toxins caused by the 9/11 attacks and requires victims who have received reduced compensation payments this year because of the fund's declining balance be made whole. The bill is strongly supported by a coalition of law enforcement organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs' Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, FBI Agents Association, and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

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