Fitzpatrick Pushing For Bill Supporting 9/11 Responders

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined area firefighters, law enforcement and first responders Monday at the Garden of Reflection to call for the renewal of critical health benefits for 9/11 responders suffering from health complications caused by Ground Zero toxins.

The Garden of Reflection is Bucks County’s Sept.11 memorial.

“The firefighters, emergency medical services and police who responded to the sites of those attacks showed the best of our country even in its worst situations. Unfortunately, for these thousands of brave men and women we are failing them,” said Fitzpatrick. “With the support of my constituents and local first responders, I’m calling on Congressional leaders of both parties to bring this bill to the floor this week.”

Fitzpatrick is a sponsor of the bipartisan James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which provides for the permanent reauthorization of the World Trade Center Health Program which expired in September. This legislation strengthens current law to increase program stability and access to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

“This vital legislation would take the drama out of this issue by providing stability for the program and show that Congress truly appreciates the work of these heroes and will stand up for the commitments made to them,” Fitzpatrick said.