Future Uncertain For Programs To Aid 9/11 First Responders
Bills in the House and Senate would keep the health program going indefinitely while making billions of additional dollars available for compensation for people who fall ill. But the debate over whether or not the programs should be extended is taking place amid ambiguity, reports The Associated Press. Meanwhile, The New York Times reports on some of the first responders who are still fighting for such benefits.
The Associated Press:
Uncertainty Reigns Over Possible End Of 9/11 Health Programs
Fourteen years after the 9/11 attacks, a new round of uncertainty looms for people exposed to the million tons of toxic dust that fell on New York when hijacked jets toppled the World Trade Center. Two federal programs that promised billions of dollars in compensation and medical care to sick 9/11 responders and survivors are set to expire next year, five years after they were created by Congress. (Caruso, 9/10)
The New York Times:
Some NYC Ambulance Crews Still Fight For Sept. 11 Benefit
No one disputes that his illnesses are likely caused by his work at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. While Mr. Bethea has received some compensation stemming from his work at Ground Zero, the U.S. Department of Justice won’t give him a settlement awarded to other first responders and their families who were either killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty because Mr. Bethea was employed by St. Vincent’s Medical Center—and not the city’s FDNY. (Gay, 9/11)
