Political Potpourri: Praise for expansion of Zadroga cancer coverage
Elected officials who fought for passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to provide health coverage for Sept. 11 first responders praised the decision by health experts to recommend that cancer be among the diseases that will now be included in the coverage.
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer issued a statement after the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health announced a final rule accepting all of the Science/Technical Advisory Committee’s recommendations to add certain cancers to the list of covered conditions for World Trade Center Health Program.
“We fought long and hard to make sure that our 9/11 heroes suffering from cancers obtained from their work at Ground Zero get the help they deserve,” senators Gillibrand and Schumer stated. “Today’s announcement is a huge step forward that will provide justice and support to so many who are now suffering from cancer and other illnesses. We will press on – with advocates, the community, and our partners in government – to ensure that all those who suffered harm from 9-11 and its aftermath get the access to the program they so desperately need.”
Rep. Michael Grimm also issued a statement applauding the decision. Grimm stated that the new guidelines mean that 50 different types of cancer would be covered.
“Our brave first responders put their lives on the line in the aftermath of 9/11, working around the clock in the dust cloud of toxins in rescue and clean-up operations. We had no way of knowing what health ailments would result in the years to follow, but as more scientific evidence has come forth in the last decade, it is clear that the initial level of coverage was not enough to sufficiently care for those affected,” Grimm said.
“This long overdue decision will allow us to uphold our commitment to the first responders who became ill after the attacks, and ensure that they receive the medical care and treatment they deserve,” he said.
The monthly jobs report issued by the federal government on Sept. 7 did not impress U.S. Rep. Bob Turner.