Today, U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, authors of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, issued the following joint statement announcing that the House Democratic leadership will bring the bill to another vote on the House floor soon after Congress reconvenes, most likely during the week of September 20th:

“We have talked to the Democratic leadership and they have told us that the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will be brought to the House floor soon after Congress returns from recess. We anticipate that the bill will be taken up the second week we are back in session and will be considered under regular order, with the expectation and belief that neither side will play politics with this vitally-important legislation.”

In July, the House of Representatives voted on the Zadroga Act, which would provide medical monitoring, treatment, and economic compensation for those who were injured or made sick by the toxic cloud that lingered for weeks following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The bill did not achieve the high, two-thirds majority required for passage under “suspension of the rules,” the parliamentary procedure that was used to bring the bill before the House. However, the 255 votes in favor of the bill in the July vote show that it would have more than enough support to pass the House if it is reconsidered under regular order, which requires only a simple majority, or 218 votes, for passage.

Fact Sheet on H.R. 847, the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act:

What is the problem?

• Thousands of first responders and others exposed to the toxins of Ground Zero are now injured and need our help. These include firefighters, rescue workers, responders, police officers and EMTs, construction workers, cleanup workers, residents, area workers, and schoolchildren, among others. Their illnesses include a range of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mental health conditions.
• Over 13,000 WTC responders are sick and receiving treatment. Nearly 53,000 responders are enrolled in medical monitoring. 71,000 individuals are enrolled in the WTC Health Registry, indicating that they were exposed to the toxins.
• At least 10,000 people came from around the country to help in the aftermath of the attacks. They hail from every single state in the union and nearly every Congressional district. Many are sick and others are very concerned about their future health. (Please click here for a list of Registry enrollments nationwide and in each congressional district.)
• Those who have economic losses because of their WTC-related illnesses need and deserve compensation, but have no alternative to the current litigation system. The WTC contractors and the City of New York are being sued by over 11,000 people who are injured because of Ground Zero toxins. They face great financial loss because they were asked to help at Ground Zero in the country’s time of need.
  

How does H.R. 847 address the problem?

• Provides medical monitoring and treatment to WTC responders and survivors (area workers, residents, students) who were exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero.
• Builds on the existing monitoring and treatment program by delivering expert medical treatment for these unique exposures at Centers of Excellence.
• Reopens the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to provide compensation for economic losses and harm as an alternative to the current litigation system.
• Provides liability protections for the WTC contractors and the City of New York.