WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, today voted to permanently authorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327). Bost is also a co-sponsor of this legislation to ensure that all 9/11 first responders and survivors who have been injured by the toxins at Ground Zero and have certified 9/11 illnesses receive their full compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The bill passed the House by a vote of 402-12 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“As a former first responder, I am proud to cosponsor and vote for this commonsense legislation because it is the right thing to do,” said Bost. “On September 11, 2011, our heroic first responders ran selflessly toward danger at Ground Zero. They weren’t thinking about themselves or the health consequences years down the line. They were simply doing their jobs and saving lives. Now it’s our turn. It’s our job to make sure they have the resources they need as they continue to fight serious illnesses.”

Background:
In the years since September 11, 2001, thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors have become ill and many have lost their lives from exposure to a toxic cocktail of burning chemicals, pulverized drywall and powdered cement that was present at Ground Zero. On February 15, 2019, the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund announced that due to a funding shortfall, injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors will receive cuts to the awards that they were expecting of 50% for pending claims and 70% for future claims. The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act would permanently authorize this fund.

 

###