Never Forget the Heroes Act Becomes Law, Permanently Funds 9/11 VCF

Statement

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after President Trump today signed into law the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327), which fully funds the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and reauthorizes it through the year 2090.

In 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was signed into law, and, five years later, the Zadroga Act was permanently reauthorized and included $4.6 billion for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to provide compensation for the victims of 9/11 and their families, and to provide compensation for those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses and their loved ones.

In February, the Special Master of the VCF issued a report which stated its funding was insufficient to compensate all claims and the fund would have to make 70% cuts across the board.

As an original cosponsor of this legislation, Congressman Zeldin issued the following statement:

"I'm grateful of President Trump for signing, and my Congressional colleagues for passing, this critically important legislation for our brave 9/11 first responders, victims, and their families. I'd especially like to thank the many amazing advocates who fought harder than should have ever been necessary to ensure this fund was reauthorized and fully funded. In the aftermath of 9/11, the EPA told New Yorkers and these first responders that the air at Ground Zero and the surrounding area was safe to breathe. The federal government was wrong. The toxic air and debris on the pile is now known to have caused over 50 different types of cancer. As I and others have pointed out previously, this wasn't a hurricane, flood or tornado. This was the largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil in the history of our great country. This legislation, named in honor of just three of our so many 9/11 heroes, will finally ensure victims and their families can receive the support they, and their families, have earned and will need for years to come."

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