In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, we saw heroism and selflessness, especially the first responders who rushed toward danger, rescued survivors, and then spent months cleaning up the wreckage. Their selflessness was on display again last month when first responders encouraged us, Congress, to reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. This Congress and I were particularly touched by Detective Luis Alvarez, who traveled to Washington during the final days of his life. He said: ``I'm doing okay, but there are others out there who aren't doing okay.'' Detective Alvarez embodied the selflessness of so many. On June 29, Detective Alvarez passed away, but he will be remembered and counted among those who gave their life for us. Before he died, he said: ``The government has to act like first responders, you know, put politics aside and let's get this bill done.'' Detective Alvarez is right, and today we vote to permanently reauthorize VCF. First responders and their families must never again face uncertainty about whether their country will be there for them.
Share & report
More from Howard Dean
Recovery is challenging and isolating even during normal days, and this pandemic has only made it more difficult for those who suffer from addiction and substance use disorder. That is why National Recovery Month, this month, takes on even…
I am so excited about this bill that I have gone hoarse talking about it, so I apologize for my gravelly voice, but it is not from any lack of enthusiasm for the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which is really a jobs bill. I want to just…
Last week a fire in Philadelphia killed 12 people, including 8 children. While our city mourned, just days later, a fire in New York killed 17, including 8 children. These two events have at least three things in common: a high loss of…
Last week marked a year since our country lost a giant and a friend to all, John Lewis. Republicans and Democrats of both Chambers rightfully used our platforms to memorialize a man who gave so much, and as many say, he was the conscience…





