Senators Clinton, Schumer Announce Approval of Funding for Critical 9/11 Health Programs

Press Release

Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer announced today that the Senate approved their amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution that creates a reserve fund to address the long-term healthcare needs of individuals exposed to the environmental hazards released as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center. The Senators co-sponsored this amendment with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA).

"On September 11th, the bravest among us did not think about risks to their safety - they simply did what they knew was needed. Today, they are debilitated by illness as a direct result of their efforts," said Senator Clinton. "While ongoing efforts can address some needs, we need more intensive medical monitoring for these individuals, to understand their illness and ensure comprehensive medical care to meet their needs. Today's amendment will complement our ongoing efforts in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to develop a bipartisan long-term solution to address the adverse health care impacts resulting from 9/11."

"Unlike the Administration, which continues to turn its back on the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for their country after 9/11, Congress has stepped up to help those in need," Schumer said. "With many now facing deteriorating health, it is long-past time to act. This amendment will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive solution to our heroes' medical problems, and we will not rest until these problems are completely addressed."

Senators Clinton and Schumer have stood shoulder to shoulder with the first responders and other victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center, fighting for critical funding needed to address the health needs of those individuals who were exposed to the environmental hazards released as a result of the tragic events of that day. More than six years after the attacks, however, far more persistent health effects have been documented among rescue and recovery workers and residents, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, and gastrointestinal conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other health effects have also been diagnosed among many of those that have been exposed.

Source