Garbarino Thanks Advocates Who Never Stopped Fighting for 9/11 Health Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) today recognized the advocates, labor leaders, and first responder organizations who worked alongside him to secure permanent, uninterrupted funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.
“For more than two decades, 9/11 responders and survivors have had to fight again and again to protect the care they were promised,” said Congressman Garbarino. “This outcome would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy of the organizations, unions, and individuals who never stopped pushing Congress to do the right thing. Their voices, persistence, and partnership were critical in finally delivering the certainty and stability that responders and survivors deserve.”
Throughout the process, Congressman Garbarino worked closely with first responder groups and 9/11 health advocates to advance the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, ensuring the World Trade Center Health Program can continue providing care without the threat of future shortfalls or disruptions.
Advocates and stakeholders underscored the importance of fulfilling the federal government’s long-standing commitment to September 11th responders and survivors.
"The FBI Agents Association is thankful that appropriations legislation including full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program has become law. We have lost far too many members of our FBI family to illnesses caused by their service in response to the September 11th attacks, and all of the heroes who responded to and investigated the attacks deserve the certainty that this vital health program will remain fully funded.” said Natalie Bara, President of the FBI Agents Association.
“It is clear Congressman Garbarino’s determination on getting the funding for the World Trade Center Health Program fixed and preventing any cuts in services was crucial to getting this done. Working in a bipartisan effort with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, he has worked on this issue tirelessly since he got to Congress and this wouldn't have happened without his leadership,” said Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act.
"Fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program is a significant victory for all the 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from long-term health consequences from toxic exposure at Ground Zero. The union movement has proudly led the fight to create the health program, ensuring these brave Americans receive the care they deserve. This would not have been possible without the persistence and leadership of Congressman Garbarino. We are thankful for all his hard work and for the support of the entire New York delegation in getting this done and in honoring our promise to never forget," said Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO.
"I would like to personally thank you [Congressman Andrew Garbarino] for your tireless efforts on the passing of the budget, which included the Funding for the WTCHP. Your efforts will ensure that my members of Local94 and all the other first responders will get the proper health care they deserve. I would like to thank you for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in battle. Without your commitment to these important issues, our heroes would go unrecognized in their times of need. Together we remain united in our vow to, NEVER FORGET”, said Thomas Hart, President International, Union of Operating Engineers Local 94.
“They say a victory has 1000 fathers. In all actuality, this victory, the passage of the WTCHP Correction Act (H.R.1410) has 145,000 plus fathers, in which over 48,000 plus have a certified 9/11 related cancer,” said John Feal, 9/11 Responder and Advocate. “Responders & Survivors will continue to receive treatment, and those who will get sick in the future from their toxic exposure will be able to join them. This short lived victory which took over 2 years was only achieved by the commitment & leadership of Rep Andrew Garbarino & the NY Delegation, with a selective few across the Country who worked closely as partners with a team of Advocates (Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act & the FealGood Foundation) who refused to give up and take no for an answer. Everyone’s resolve & testament while tested, never wavered and for that I am humbled to be part of this victory.”
“We fought for the enactment and near permanent reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) as we view it as our obligation and duty to ensure that responders, who risked their lives to protect us, and survivors continue to receive the vital care that they deserve”, stated Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “The passage of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act honors that obligation and ensures the WTCHP is fully funded. We thank Congressman Garbarino for his leadership and advocacy in getting this important legislation passed.”
“Fire fighters who responded to the terrorist attack at Ground Zero answered the call without hesitation. ‘Never forget’ means making sure these brave men and women have access to the healthcare they need to combat the long-term illnesses they’re facing due to their service on 9/11. It is long past time Congress preserved the World Trade Center Health Program, and the IAFF is grateful for Rep. Garbarino’s unwavering dedication to our nation’s fire fighters.” International Association of Firefighters General President Edward Kelly
“On September 11, 2001, we may have seen the worst of humanity, but the days, months, and years that followed were defined by the best of humanity as heroic first responders from the NYPD, FDNY, and the New York City Building Trades, stood side-by-side leading recovery efforts in the direct aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center. These selfless men and women deserve access to medical treatment and services for their September 11-related health conditions, and now that has been made possible through the passage of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “We thank Congressman Garbarino and Congressman Nadler and Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer for their continued and exceptional leadership on behalf of September 11 responders and survivors. This critical funding for the World Trade Center Health Program will improve the lives of countless patriots and their families by providing them the care they have long-deserved."
“On behalf of 1300 men and women of the New York State Police Investigators Association, we extend our gratitude to Congressman Andrew Garbarino for his leadership in advancing the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act. This critical legislation helps ensure that those who sacrificed so much in the aftermath of 9/11 will continue to receive the care and support they have earned and deserve,” said Kurt Labuda, President of the New York State Police Investigators Association.”
“FLEOA commends Representative Garbarino for his leadership in securing long-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). “As we continue to learn more about the lasting health effects of 9/11 on first responders, sustained support for the WTCHP is essential to honoring our nation’s commitment. We appreciate Representative Garbarino and all supporters of this legislation for their advocacy to ensure continued access to critical care through this bipartisan effort.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Garbarino, Congress has provided critical funding for the World Trade Center Health Program and honored its commitment to those first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001,” said NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) President Vincent Vallelong. “In the nearly 25 years since 9/11, we have seen daily reminders of the heavy price paid by our members and others who selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way for their neighbors and their country. That is why we are grateful for the efforts of Rep. Garbarino to fulfill the promise of the original Zadroga Act and are proud to have worked alongside him to ensure that 9/11 responders and survivors receive the ongoing care that they deserve.”
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