NEW YORK—A revised version of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Act won a unanimous victory in the Senate Wednesday and quickly passed through the House.
“Today’s bipartisan approval of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act by the United States Senate affirms our nation’s commitment to protecting those who protect us all,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated in a press release. “The events of that day were an attack on America by a foreign enemy, and addressing its health impacts is a national duty.”
The bill provides aid to police and firefighters who have experienced health problems resulting from working in toxic dust at the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Though the original bill was passed in the House of Representatives in September, it met with Republican opposition in the Senate at the time.
On Sunday, bill sponsors Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced a reduction of the bill’s price tag from $7.4 billion to $6.2 billion, easing some of the Republicans’ worries about federal spending. The cost was then further reduced to $4.2 billion, which will be spread over five years instead of the previous eight-year plan.
Working with Republicans on amendments to the bill has paid off—the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the legislation on Wednesday.
As a result, the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) will be reopened, so that additional claims could be filed over the next five years. The original bill had provisioned for the VCF to remain open for claims until 2031.
“I’m pleased the sponsors of this bill agreed to lower costs dramatically, offset the bill, sunset key provisions and take steps to prevent fraud,” said Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) in a statement.
Coburn was a vocal opponent of the original version of the bill.
“Every American recognizes the heroism of the 9/11 first responders, but it is not compassionate to help one group while robbing future generations of opportunity. I’m pleased this agreement strikes a fair balance and improves the bill the majority attempted to rush through at the last minute,” Coburn said.
“I want to congratulate and thank the House of Representatives for putting aside their differences and finding common ground on one of the most fundamental issues of justice facing our nation today. … I want to thank Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi and Minority Leader [John] Boehner for supporting those who were there for America in its hour of greatest need,” stated Mayor Bloomberg.
