Fairfax, Va. - Congress is expected to recess by December 18 and is working on end-of-year legislation to fund the federal government and extend expiring tax provisions. Meanwhile, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (P.L. 111-347) expired earlier this year. Congress must pass legislation reauthorizing the Zadroga Act this year.
The IAFC is asking its members to call or email their representatives and senators this week and ask them to pass legislation to reauthorize the Zadroga Act programs as part of year-end legislative efforts, like the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill.
A majority of members of the House and Senate have cosponsored the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1786/S. 928). This legislation would reauthorize the World Trade Center Health Program permanently. It would also continue to allow the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate first responders, who are suffering from economic damages due to illnesses and injuries incurred during the response at Ground Zero.
Currently, more than 70,000 9/11 responders and survivors from all 50 states are in the World Trade Center Health Program. Medical monitoring, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are keys to reducing the fatalities due to WTC-related illnesses. In addition, it’s important that the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund is funded adequately to pay the claims of those whose illnesses have prevented them from maintaining employment.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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