Joint Statement by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney and Rep. Jerrold Nadler on the Departure of Rupa Bhattacharyya Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), co-authors of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and the Never Forget the Heroes Act, issued the following joint statement regarding the stepping down of Ms. Rupa Bhattacharyya as the Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

"A tremendous debt of gratitude is owed to Ms. Bhattacharyya, who is stepping down as Special Master, for her service to her country and to the responders and survivors of 9/11," said Rep. Maloney. "She stepped into her role and led the VCF through several challenges, including a funding shortage and the permanent authorization of the VCF, which was made possible by our Never Forget the Heroes Act in 2019. She oversaw the distribution of nearly 40,000 claims totaling almost $8 billion in awards. She has touched the lives of thousands of Americans and helped ensure the government lived up to its responsibilities to care for those suffering from the 9/11 attacks against our nation. We thank her for her dedication and for her service.

"The September 11, 2001 attacks happened two decades ago, but the responders and survivors are still in need of help. Ms. Bhattacharyya ensured that 9/11 responders, survivors, and their families whose claims have not yet been finalized receive the financial compensation they needed and deserved. I am deeply grateful to Ms. Bhattacharyya and look forward to working with the interim Special Master. We hope that Attorney General Garland will appoint a new career civil servant as Special Master quickly."

"Special Master Rupa Bhattacharyya has served this nation, particularly the families of those impacted by the September 11th attacks, with the utmost honor and distinction," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "For nearly six years, Special Master Bhattacharyya has been a stalwart ally in the fight to secure the funding that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) deserves. She has dutifully faced some of the VCF's toughest challenges head-on in order to ensure the Fund could fully pay every eligible claim. It has been a pleasure to work closely with Special Master Bhattacharyya, and her service and partnership will be sorely missed."

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