Christopher Shays: “During the last 2 years, as chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International…”

“During the last 2 years, as chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, we held four oversight hearings on the federally funded medical monitoring and registry programs that were established following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The witnesses' testimony at the subcommittee clearly demonstrated the significant health challenges faced by the Ground Zero responders, as well as the need for their continued health monitoring. You know, nearly 6 years after the cataclysmic attacks on the World Trade Centers, shock waves still emanate from Ground Zero. Diverse and delayed health problems continue to emerge in those exposed to the contaminants and psychological stressors unleashed on September 11, 2001. Firefighters, police, emergency medical personnel, transit workers, construction crews and other first responders, as well as volunteers, came to Ground Zero knowing there would be risks but confident their community would sustain them.”