House of Representatives Passes Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Benefits Bill

Three cheers for the House of Representatives!!!

The House of Representatives today approved legislation to provide billions of dollars in medical benefits to rescue workers and residents of New York City who suffered illnesses from breathing in toxic fumes, dust and smoke at Ground Zero.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,  is named after a New York City detective who participated in the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero after 9/11. He in died in January 2006 due to difficulty breathing caused by his exposure at Ground Zero.

Importantly, the bill includes a provision that permits money from the Victims Compensation Fund to be paid out to plaintiffs who receive payments under the pending settlement stemming from lawsuits that 10,000 rescue and cleanup workers filed against the New York City.

The bill’s prospects in the Senate are unfortunately less bright, but this was a morally right step for the victims and families of first responders. These heroes need permanent heath care guaranteed!