http://www.r8ny.com/node/146137

July 24th, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Michael McMahon (D-NY) today applauded the House passage of $70,723,000 in funding for the World Trade Center Health Programs for Fiscal Year 2010. The funding was included in the FY2010
Labor and Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill, which passed the House today. The lawmakers, along with Rep. Peter King (R-NY), are sponsors of the 9/11 Health and
Compensation Act (H.R. 847), which would provide long-term, comprehensive health care and compensation for those sickened or injured in the aftermath of 9/11.

“The heroes and heroines of 9/11 deserve a helping hand from the federal government –it’s the least we can do as a grateful nation. This $70 million in federal funding will keep the doors of 9/11 health clinics open until we pass comprehensive 9/11 health legislation, hopefully by the eighth anniversary of the attacks,” said Rep. Maloney. “I thank President Obama and my colleagues in the House for their continued support of the men and women who came to the aid of the country after 9/11.”

“This $70 million for the World Trade Center Health Programs will directly benefit the first responders and community members who are living with 9/11-related illnesses,” said Rep. Nadler. “These funds are critical for ensuring that those who sacrificed – or who were innocent bystanders – on or after 9/11 are taken care of until we pass comprehensive 9/11 health care legislation. Thanks are due to President Obama, Congresswoman Maloney and my colleagues for supporting this crucial program.”

“As we have said time and time again, there isn’t enough we can do for the courageous men and women who responded on 9/11,” said Rep. Michael E. McMahon. “This federal funding will help provide the necessary health care services that many first responders desperately need. I thank my colleagues in the House, especially Reps. Maloney, Nadler and King, for their support.”

Earlier this year, the House passed and President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105), which contains $70 million in funding for FY 2009 for federal 9/11 health programs.