Cyrus Dugger

The James Zadroga Act Would Provide Both Health Care and Compensation for 9/11 Sick, Injured

A great bill:

Reps. Maloney and Fossella Introduce Comprehensive 9/11 Health Legislation: The James Zadroga Act Would Provide Both Health Care and Compensation for 9/11 Sick, Injured

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2007
Contact: Joe Soldevere (Maloney), (212) 860-0606
Craig Donner (Fossella), (718) 356-8400

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues introduced the first legislation to provide both health care and compensation for those who are sick or injured as a result of the 9/11 attacks. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 1638) would extend long-term medical monitoring to everyone exposed to Ground Zero toxins and federally-funded health care to anyone who is sick as a result. Additionally, the bill would reopen the federal Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) for sick and injured 9/11 responders and lower Manhattan residents, workers and schoolchildren. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed reopening the VCF in his testimony at a Senate hearing yesterday.

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“The Zadroga Act is the first bill that would provide both medical care and compensation for sick and injured responders, residents, workers, and students,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “The legislation also ensures long-term, direct funding for the highly successful Centers of Excellence at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Bellevue Hospital and the FDNY. Thousands of Americans are suffering as a direct result of 9/11. Our bill provides medical monitoring for everyone exposed to Ground Zero toxins, treatment for anyone who’s sick, and compensation for anyone who sustained economic losses due to illness or injury.”

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The bill goes further by directing the National Institutes of Health to conduct research so that doctors can more effectively diagnose and treat the unique health issues related to 9/11. It also takes steps to ensure better coordination between all levels of government so that the unsung heroes of 9/11 get the help and care they need.”

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“The Zadroga Act will help to complete a promise that the American people made to those who served so heroically and bravely on 9/11 and those who had the misfortune being exposed to the toxic fumes and dust over the weeks following,” Congressman Serrano said. “These people deserve no less than the best health care and health monitoring that our nation can provide, as well as economic support as they face illnesses caused by that terrible terrorist act.”(link)

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