E-Newsletter: Syria, 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, LGBT Rights

Statement

Dear Friends,

I want to take this opportunity to share with you some of the work
that I've been doing recently in the U.S. Congress.

October 3rd Deadline for 9/11 Responders to Register for
Financial Compensation

After recently observing the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terror
attacks, I am writing to ensure that you are aware of the upcoming
October 3rd deadline to register for the 9/11 Victim Compensation
Fund (VCF). The VCF provides financial assistance to first
responders and survivors injured in the aftermath of the attacks
and the recovery effort. On that day, and in the weeks following,
New Yorkers displayed unparalleled bravery and courage as they
risked their lives to search for victims among the rubble. If you
were affected by the 9/11 attacks, I strongly encourage you to
register with the VCF.

Since September 11, 2001, the negative health effects of the toxic
work site at Ground Zero became more apparent as many of the
rescuers and survivors fell ill or passed away. I am proud to have
fought for passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and
Compensation Act, which reopened the 9/11 Victim
Compensation Fund to provide financial restitution for lost wages
and physical ailments to the thousands of first responders and
survivors. These brave heroes labored for weeks in the
smoldering ash to clear debris and locate victims. The funds have
already been designated for this purpose and it is imperative that
as many survivors as possible receive their just and deserved
compensation.

To begin the registration process, please visit VCF.gov. The
website contains eligibility guidelines and further information on
the registration process. Even if you are unsure about your
eligibility, it is important that you register to preserve your ability to
file a claim in the future.

LGBT Rights in Russia during the 2014 Olympic Games
Usually heralded as a time of peaceful and friendly competition,
the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi,
Russia, are being overshadowed by the growing climate of
intolerance against LGBT individuals in Russia. Homophobic
attacks have risen sharply. The Russian government recently
enacted a number of anti-gay laws: criminalizing "propaganda"
deemed to promote "non-traditional sexual relations," allowing for
arrest and detention for up to 14 days of tourists and foreign
nationals suspected of being LGBT or supportive of LGBT rights,
and banning the adoption of Russian-born children to gay couples
or to persons living in countries where marriage equality exists.
These laws have resulted in the arrest of Russian LGBT activists
and have fueled anti-gay violence. Russia's leaders must repeal
these laws and take steps to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic
human rights of Russia's LGBT citizens.

With more than 100,000 attendees, including many Americans,
predicted to be traveling to the 2014 Winter Olympics, I am very
concerned about the safety of our LGBT and LGBT-supporting
citizens. The Russian Interior Ministry has stated that the antiLGBT laws will be applied to guests and athletes during the
Games. The International Olympic Committee has admitted that
they are unable to guarantee the safety of our athletes.

This is an untenable situation. Along with 87 of my fellow
Members of Congress, I sent a letter to Secretary of State John
Kerry asking what measures the U.S. State Department will be
taking to ensure American athletes, staff, and their supporters are
not arrested or harassed during the Sochi Games.

We must do everything we can to protect those Americans who
are traveling to Russia this winter. Russia's anti-LGBT laws defy
basic human rights that should be guaranteed to everyone at all
times and in all places. These laws are completely contrary to the
uniting spirit of the Olympics, which brings diverse nations
together in a spirit of international unity.
Sincerely

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