Passage Of Bill To Fund Treatment Of 9/11 Illnesses Receives Praise Locally

A retired New York City firefighter who now lives in Bucks County got his holiday wish: congress passed legislation reauthorizing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

The bill, which was passed late last week, will indefinitely fund treatment for illnesses brought on by exposure to Ground Zero during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bill is expected to cost $8.1 billion.

Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) championed the bill and called for his fellow lawmakers to do the same earlier this month.

At a press conference, Fitzpatrick was joined former FDNY member Brian McGuire of Upper Southampton to support the bill.

“One thing I learned at the fire academy is that we were serving to save lives. Whether it was dozens of people at a big fire somewhere in the city, or a single person it was understood: Failure was not an option. [The] vote to reauthorize the benefits for 9/11 first responders was about saving over 72,000 lives who rely on this program. Thankfully, leaders like Congressman Fitzpatrick understood that failure is not an option and have worked tirelessly to make this possible,” McGuire said.

“This vital legislation will take the drama out of this issue by providing stability for the program and show that congress truly appreciates the work of these heroes and will stand up for the commitments made to them,” Fitzpatrick said the week before the legislation was reauthorized.

Bucks County is home to survivors of the September 11, 2001 attacks and lost nearly 20 residents that day. The Garden of Reflection memorial in Lower Makefield is Pennsylvania’s official memorial to recognize the attacks.

Fitzpatrick has stated the bill, which is named after a police officer who died of a medical condition linked to his time working at Ground Zero, is critical to support those who support of communities.

“This government – and those in it – must stand with first responders in both words and actions. The long-term extension of this critical program is the least a grateful nation can do for those who risked health and safety to assist others in our time of greatest need.”