Public Employee Press

Victory for DC 37's heroes: Zadroga Act renewed

After the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for the omnibus spending bill, on Dec. 18, the U.S. Senate followed suit, passing the legislation 65-33, and President Barack Obama signed it later that day.

The spending law includes the Reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program, and the extension of the Sept. 11th Victim Compensation Fund, both components of the Zadroga Act, initially passed in 2010.

The extension is essentially permanent as it is due to expire in 75 years.

This renewal ensures continued health care and support for thousands of first responders and survivors of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.

The passage of the act is especially important for thousands of DC 37 members, who were mandated to work in the recovery and clean-up efforts in the months following the attacks and have paid the price for their bravery and dedication in suffering a multitude of health problems, including several forms of deadly cancers.

"This is a great day for the thousands of brave men and women, many of them DC 37 members, who put their lives on the line to help their fellow New Yorkers on 9/11 and the days and weeks that followed. They are now assured of getting the health care and support they need for the remainder of their lives," said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido.

— Mike Lee