Laura Gillen: “I have the privilege of representing thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors who live in New York's Fourth…”

“I have the privilege of representing thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors who live in New York's Fourth Congressional District. For years, they have fought to get access to the healthcare that they desperately need and unquestionably deserve. They have traveled to Washington countless times, even those that are sick and dying, to urge Congress to pass a permanent funding fix for the World Trade Center Health Program. These heroes who saw us through one of the darkest days in our Nation's history have spent two decades begging Congress to act. No one in the 9/11 community should ever have to worry about accessing the healthcare that they require. I was outraged to see this funding excluded from the yearlong spending bill that was just passed earlier this month. Our first responders and survivors can't wait for action. I am proud to help lead the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues, to right this wrong. Mr. Speaker, our Nation promised to never forget, but every delay in funding tells the 9/11 community something different. It is time to act. ____________________”