Today, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 847, The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed in the House of Representatives with a vote of 206 to 60.  Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement in support of the bill:

“I rise today to strongly support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 847, The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.  I want to thank Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Jerrold Nadler for their leadership in introducing this bill in the House as well as the New York delegation who has fought tirelessly to ensure that our 9/11 first responders get the medical resources they need. 

“New York’s courageous firefighters, police officers, EMTs, cleanup workers, and the thousands who came from every State in the Union have been waiting for Congress to act.  Our first responders risked their personal safety and health in order to help their fellow citizens who were in need. As a result of their selfless actions in the wake of one of the worst attacks on America soil, they have suffered many illnesses.

“In the last days of the 111th Congress and as many leave for the holidays, I am pleased that Members in the Senate and the House of Representatives put politics aside and, in a bipartisan way voted to honor and respect the sacrifices of the more than 36,000 Americans who are sick or injured because of 9/11 victims.  This is a gift for all Americans.  Supporting this bill tells our first responders and rescue workers that we stand by them as they stand by us in times of trouble and need.  I honor and commend all the first responders and survivors of the World Trade Center attacks.  I have not forgotten about the price that you’ve paid in service to our country.  This vote will provide the proper medical treatment that our first responders so rightly deserve.”