Reps. Maloney, Nadler & King Celebrate 1-Year Anniversary of Zadroga 9/11 Health Law's Passage

New York, NY – U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Peter King (R-NY), authors of H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Zadroga Act's passage by both houses of Congress.  On December 22nd of last year, strong bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate passed the Zadroga Act and delivered long-overdue health care and compensation for 9/11 responders and survivors who became ill or were injured as a result of the attacks.
 
Reps. Maloney, Nadler, and King issued the following joint statement today to mark the one-year anniversary of the Zadroga Act's passage:
 
“One year ago, justice was finally served for 9/11 responders and survivors.  In the final hours of the last Congress, we had a 'Christmas miracle' and passed the Zadroga Act -- finally meeting America’s moral responsibility to help those who lost their health as a result of the attacks.  Over the course of the last year, we have worked extensively with the Obama Administration to put into practice the health and compensation programs provided by the Zadroga Act, so that they can begin helping people.  We are delighted that 9/11 responders and survivors now have guaranteed access to health care and that those injured by the attacks can now apply for the economic relief they and their families so urgently need.
 
"We remain incredibly proud of all those who worked with us -until, literally, the 11th hour- to do the right thing and pass this long-overdue assistance for those who were harmed by the worst-ever attack on our shores.  To 9/11 responders and survivors who suffered for so long: help is finally here."  
 
The Obama Administration has been steadily implementing the new law over the course of this year.  On July 1st, the health programs provided by the Zadroga Act went into effect, and $1.5 billion in guaranteed federal funding (to be delivered over the next 5 years) began flowing to the 9/11 health ‘Centers of Excellence’ established at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and other locations in the tri-state area.  The World Trade Center Health Program, which is headed by Dr. John Howard, Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, provides medical monitoring and treatment for those who became ill as a result of the attacks, and conducts research into emerging 9/11-related health conditions.
 
On October 1st, the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which the Zadroga Act reopened and provided with $2.8 billion in federal funding over six years, opened its doors for business and began informing potential beneficiaries of their rights under the law.  On December 5th, the VCF, which is administered by Special Master Sheila Birnbaum, began accepting compensation applications.  To remain eligible for benefits, potential claimants must discontinue any litigation relating to 9/11 health concerns by January 2, 2012.