Congressman Nadler honors the 73 Windows on the World employees who lost their lives on 9/11 by working to raise the federal subminimum wage.
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Dear Friends,
Twenty years. Twenty years of missed birthdays, anniversaries, and memories for those of us who lost loved ones in the September 11th terrorist attacks. I’ve often said that September 11th seems both long ago and immediate, and it still rings true 20 years later. This past week, I’ve been reflecting on the tragedy of that day and fighting to ensure that Congress does not let the events of that day become a relic of the past. Every generation should know the tragic events of that Tuesday morning and the heroism of those who rushed back to the burning Pentagon and onto the pile at Ground Zero to put out fires, search for survivors, clear debris, and rebuild for months and years. Last week, I introduced legislation to support the National September 11th Museum & Memorial during the pandemic, worked with our local first responders to improve emergency response and preparedness, and introduced a resolution commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Congressman Nadler welcomes House Homeland Security Committee Members to the National September 11th Memorial and Museum.
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On September 9 th, I welcomed House Homeland Security Committee members to our district for a roundtable discussion on how federal resources can best be applied to support FDNY, NYPD, and the Port Authority to prevent another attack. This visit allowed Members to tour the National September 11 th Museum & Memorial and hear directly from first responders about the work they’ve done in the 20 years since the attacks to improve response and preparedness and how our work in Washington translates to results on the ground in our districts.
The National September 11th Museum & Memorial is a monument to the loss and sacrifice of that fateful day, and I’m committed to ensuring it remains safe and accessible to visitors throughout the pandemic. That’s why I introduced the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Act alongside Homeland Security Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Katko. The legislation will provide critical funding to ensure the Memorial & Museum can safely remain open and accessible for visitors despite the economic hardships it has experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is in addition to a $2 million grant that was awarded in July 2020 from the passage of my 9/11 Memorial Act for the continued operation, maintenance, and security of this sacred space. For the families of those lost on that tragic day and generations of visitors to come, the Memorial & Museum must continue to stand as a site of remembrance and hope.
Congressman Nadler delivers remarks in support of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act.
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I’m also proud to introduce a resolution in the House that will commemorate the heroism of those we lost that day and survivors still struggling with 9/11-related illnesses. Congress owes an unpayable debt to the living victims who continue to suffer from their work on the pile, and the World Trade Center Health Program(WTCHP), which I helped establish into law along with the Victims Compensation Fund, has been a critical lifeline to them. While my colleagues and I were successful in reauthorizing the program until 2090, I recently introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act which will ensure the program has the resources necessary to provide care for years to come. Our obligation to those living with 9/11-related illnesses will only continue to grow, and Congress has a chance in the upcoming reconciliation bill to raise the spending caps for the WTCHP. I encourage you to read my recent Op-Ed on why we must seize this opportunity to honor survivors and fulfill our collective promise to never forget September 11 th.
Defending the Right to Abortion
On September 2nd, the Supreme Court issued a shadow-docket ruling allowing the flagrantly unconstitutional Texas abortion law SB8 to remain in effect, banning abortion procedures after six weeks of pregnancy, with no exception for rape or incest, and allowing would-be vigilantes to enforce the law by going after anyone they believe helped someone access abortion. The court issued this unsigned 5-4 decision in the middle of the night without hearing a single argument. This law, and the Supreme Court’s shameful decision, is the culmination of 50 years of rabid anti-abortion policies at the state and federal level to overturn Roe v. Wade and eliminate the constitutional right to abortion.
As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I intend to use every tool at my disposal to ensure this right is protected. That is why I led Members of the House Judiciary Committee in a successful request to Attorney General Merrick Garland to urge him to use the full power of the Justice Department to defend a woman’s right to choose an abortion.AG Garland responded by announcing the Department would explore all options to challenge SB8and would not tolerate violence or obstruction against those seeking reproductive health services. Further, I intend to hold additional Judiciary Committee hearings to shine a light on the Supreme Court’s dangerous and cowardly use of the shadow docket, building on our work this past February. I’m also pleased to share that Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the House will take up the Women’s Health Protection Act, which will establish the federal right for health care providers to carry out an abortion, and for patients to receive abortion care, free from state bans and restrictions intended to impede or block this access. I look forward to leading its passage on the floor.
Congress must stand with patients and providers in Texas and elsewhere and say enough is enough. Congress must guarantee the freedom of everyone in this country to access abortion and other reproductive health care, and I stand with the millions of Americans ready to fight for that freedom.
Recovering from Ida
Congressman Nadler speaks in support of transformative investments to combat the climate crisis.
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On September 1 st, millions of people experienced historic flooding and winds from the remnants of Post-Tropical Depression Ida, which ravaged the South before moving across the Northeast. I’m heartbroken by the tragic loss of at least 17 lives in New York, which has left many families with a significant economic strain in an already difficult time. In the hours immediately following the storm, I joined my colleagues from the New York Congressional Delegation in a successful request to President Biden for an emergency declaration for New York State. This designation will open FEMA assistance to residents who lost homes, businesses, vehicles, and so much more to the fast-rising floodwaters.
Federal aid is needed for immediate recovery, but Ida’s effects are a painful reminder that the climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time. Lives continue to be lost in America due to a lack of action on global warming and adequate climate resilience infrastructure - so Congress must continue to fight for transformative investments to meet this moment. We can’t afford to wait, which is why I recently reintroduced my Disaster Assistance Equity Act which will ensure that common interest communities, including co-ops and condominiums, are eligible for the same FEMA assistance available to other homeowners. A natural disaster doesn’t care what type of home you live in, and FEMA should treat all Americans equally so they can rebuild their homes and their lives.
If you were affected by recent storms and would like to apply for federal emergency assistance, please visit www.disasterassistance.gov.
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