Press statement from Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Michael McMahon (D-NY)

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Michael McMahon (D-NY) today applauded the inclusion of $70,723,000 in funding for the World Trade Center Health Programs in President Obama’s budget for Fiscal Year 2010. The lawmakers are sponsors of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (H.R. 847), which would provide more than $10 billion for critical health care and compensation for those sickened or injured in the aftermath of 9/11. The Members of Congress hope to pass the bill with President Obama’s support by the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“It’s a new administration and a new day for 9/11 health programs. This $70 million in federal funding will keep the doors of 9/11 health clinics open until we pass comprehensive 9/11 health legislation, hopefully this summer,” said Rep. Maloney. “I thank President Obama for his continued support of the heroes and heroines of 9/11.”

“I want to thank President Obama for including this $70 million in funding for the WTC Health Programs,” said Rep. Nadler. “This $70 million will be put to immediate use for the significant health care needs of first responders, residents, workers and students who are suffering ill health effects as a result of exposure to post-9/11 toxins. Now let’s pass the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and ensure that sufficient funding will be available every year for these victims.”

“It’s been over seven years since the heroes of 9/11 were exposed to the toxins of the dust cloud, yet the health effects from exposure continue to develop,” said King. “The World Trade Center Health Programs are essential to monitoring the health of all who were exposed and I am pleased that the president has included 9/11 health funding in his budget.”

“President Obama’s inclusion of $70 million for 9/11 health programs shows the residents of New York City, and the citizens of this country at large, that we will indeed never forget,” said Rep. McMahon. “I applaud the President for his commitment to these heroes.”

Earlier this year, the House passed and President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105), which contains $70 million in funding for FY 2009 for federal 9/11 health programs.

Please click here for a summary of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and here for a Q&A on the legislation.