On the recordSeptember 29, 2010
I traveled this journey with all of you. And Congresswoman Maloney, I wanted to come and thank you, along with the chairpersons of the Energy and Commerce and the Judiciary Committees, for never giving up. I think it is important to note that this bill will cover Pennsylvania, the Pentagon, and New York. And for those of us who listened to the families and the witnesses or the first responders themselves who saw the pain, and particularly those who already lost their lives, I think that this is a major step of balance, putting this in a system and a structure that has oversight, that provides ongoing care and provides for the coverage of those who, to this date, have suffered without coverage and comfort. So I rise to support this legislation, and I am very glad that the Judiciary Committee and Energy and Commerce continued to work, even when we were thwarted and rejected. We are now back with, I hope, the right approach, bipartisan approach. And I would ask all of my colleagues to ask the question what would they want to do for 9/11 responders, and that is, vote 'yes.' Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
