9/11 First Responders Health-Care Bill Secures Breakthrough in Congress

Strategic Insights -

After years of efforts to secure health-care benefits for 9/11 first responders, a breakthrough in Congress was announced on December 21, 2010. The bill, written by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and supported by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), aims to provide free medical coverage to rescue workers exposed to toxins at Ground Zero. The legislation has garnered significant bipartisan support, with many Republicans acknowledging the deserving status of these first responders. However, concerns about the bill's funding have led to opposition from some lawmakers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill, which has been in development since 2006, has undergone extensive hearings and committee review, with 21 hearings on the House side and Senate committee approval.
  • Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized the urgent need for the bill, citing the tragic cases of 13,000 9/11 first responders who are sick and receiving treatment, with 900 fatalities.
  • The proposed fees on foreign companies, foreign workers, and foreign visitors to fund the bill are not expected to affect the U.S. economy or U.S. companies, but rather level the playing field in international trade.
  • Questions have been raised about the feasibility of funding the bill through spending cuts, but Senator Gillibrand pointed out that the bill is fully paid for, with no added debt, and actually pays off some of the national debt.
  • The election of 2010, in Senator Gillibrand's view, underscored the American people's desire for their representatives to work together and listen to their concerns.

Statistics:

  • 13,000 9/11 first responders are currently receiving treatment for health issues related to their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero.
  • 900 of these responders have passed away due to their injuries.
  • The proposed fees to fund the bill are expected to come from foreign companies, workers, and visitors to the United States.
  • The bill has undergone 21 hearings on the House side and has received approval from the Senate committee.
  • The number of police badges displayed in the display of the 30th police officer to die in the line of duty within the past month.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 USA.
  • Transcript of Senate 9/11 First Responders' Medical Benefits Bill Hearing, December 21, 2010.