James Zadroga 9/11 Health And Compensation Act Of 2010
Floor Speech
James Zadroga 9/11 Health And Compensation Act Of 2010
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Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 847, the ``James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,'' which will ensure that 9/11 emergency responders receive quality health care to address the lingering health effects resulting from their brave service on September 11, 2001.
I thank Chairman WAXMAN for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the sponsor of this legislation, Congresswoman MALONEY, for her attention to this important issue.
Mr. Speaker the courageous men and women who responded to the attacks of September 11, 2001 thrust themselves into a life-threatening situation, risking everything to respond to one of our Nation's most devastating tragedies. Many of these firefighters and emergency responders died in the aftermath of the attacks; I am forever grateful for these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of those who survived continue to suffer from serious health issues, ranging from respiratory illness to post-traumatic stress syndrome. These individuals deserve our assurance that they will always receive first-rate care.
Unfortunately, since the closing of the 9/11 Compensation Fund on March 31, 2003, many first responders have had to fight just to get the medical treatment that they need. This bill will change that. H.R. 847 will fund through 2019 the World Trade Center Health Program, ensuring that first responders suffering from 9/11-related health problems will be able to get care. The bill will also establish medical centers of excellence throughout the country to serve 9/11 responders. Currently many 9/11 emergency responders who no longer live in New York/New Jersey metro area are required to return there in order to receive care, a requirement that is often prohibitively inconvenient.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 847 is part of our ongoing obligation to the brave men and women who responded to 9/11. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
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