Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act:

“In the aftermath of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center, thousands of heroic Americans responded by sacrificing their own personal safety in attempts to rescue their fellow Americans and clean up the debris. These brave men and women soon found themselves facing serious health issues that developed from the exposure to Ground Zero’s toxic environment. It is our duty to ensure that these men and women continue to receive proper healthcare for their 9/11 related illnesses.”

“This is why the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 is a victory for New Yorkers and the rest of the nation. This legislation provides funding for the tens of thousands of people who responded to the attacks as well as survivors of the attacks to receive medical treatment for the illnesses they have related to the terrorist attacks. This bill also reopens the September 11, 2001 Victim Compensation Fund, providing monetary compensation for those injured by the attacks, or by response activities and debris removal.”

“Let’s not forget that people from all different walks of life entered into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that day, risking their lives to save those victims including those who were immigrants or permanent residents. I strongly believe that we must continue to provide proper care for all 9/11 responders and survivors, and as long as they are still ailing and suffering.”

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