Staten Island, NY Pols Applaud Reversal Of Plan To Cut 9/11 Health Program Staff

Staten Island, NY Pols Applaud Reversal Of Plan To Cut 9/11 Health Program Staff

Editor’s note: We previously covered Rep. Malliotakis demand that the 9/11 masterminds be punished for their crimes, not rewarded with a plea deal. Senator Gillibrand spoke at last year’s 9/11 event, reminding us to never forget and to continue to honor first responders, including with their long term health care funding. 

Malliotakis Statement on Reversal of Proposed Cuts to 9/11 Health Programs

(NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis issued the following statement regarding the reversal of the proposed cuts to 9/11 health programs.

“As a native New Yorker, President Trump understands the importance of supporting first responders, 9/11 survivors, and Ground Zero rescue workers. That’s why we anticipated and appreciated the White House’s decision to stop CDC cuts that would have reduced staffing at the World Trade Center Health Program and grants for 9/11 research, following our letter to the President earlier this week.

This is a reminder of why, when looking for savings to reduce our nation’s $37 trillion debt, we need to use a scalpel not a sledgehammer—to avoid unintended consequences and unnecessary anxiety.

My New York colleagues and I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to ensure 9/11 heroes and survivors receive their benefits without interruption and that The Zadroga Act continues to be fully funded after 2027.”

GILLIBRAND APPLAUDS RESTORATION OF WTCHP STAFF WHO SERVE 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand applauded the reversal of terminations of World Trade Center Health Program staff. Senator Gillibrand and Senator Chuck Schumer had previously demanded that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. take action to reverse these cuts, which stood to directly impact care for our 9/11 first responders and survivors.

“I am glad that President Trump reversed the terminations of World Trade Center Health Program staff, who are absolutely critical to the health and well-being of 9/11 first responders and survivors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “However, the bottom line is that these firings should have never occurred in the first place, and they show how this haphazard approach by President Trump is hurting real people. In the coming weeks, Democrats and Republicans will work together to strengthen this program once and for all, and that effort should receive the same level of support from the White House.”

The WTCHP provides medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more.

Banner Image: September 11th headline. Image Credit – Aidan Bartos

Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer

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