Reps. Seek VA Benefits for World Trade Center Veterans

WASHINGTON – In an effort to secure proper care for military veterans rendered sick or disabled as a result of their work at Ground Zero on and after 9/11, U.S. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Christopher Shays (R-CT), and John Hall (D-NY) today asked Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Nicholson to officially declare people with Ground Zero military service eligible for veteran’s benefits.  The Representatives also asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a specific disability policy for these veterans.

“Our brave military members who served in the World Trade Center clean-up deserve the government’s respect and support,” said Maloney.  “The 9/11 health crisis is an emergency on a national scale and it requires a federal response.  The VA should officially recognize the service of sick and disabled World Trade Center veterans, and give them the care they need.”

“Nearly six years after the cataclysmic attacks on the World Trade Center, shock waves still emanate from Ground Zero.  Diverse and delayed health problems continue to emerge in those exposed to the contaminants and psychological stressors unleashed on September 11, 2001,” said Shays.

“Like other veterans, the heroes that selflessly responded to help their community and fellow citizens after the tragedy of 9/11 were injured in service to their country,” said Hall.  “They have more than earned proper care for this service they gave to their country at Ground Zero and deserve the same veterans benefits that other veterans receive.”

To read the Representatives’ letter to Secretary Nicholson: http://Maloney.house.gov/documents/911recovery/20070517_911Health_Nicholson.pdf

The three Representatives have a history of working together to secure greater funding and research for 9/11 health issues: http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1327&Itemid=61

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