[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17339]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     JAMES ZADROGA 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT

  (Mr. DONOVAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the James 
Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which 
permanently reauthorizes the World Trade Center Health Program and the 
Victim Compensation Fund.
  After the attacks against America on September 11, 2001, selfless 
heroes rushed toward the death and destruction. Many will pay for their 
heroism for the rest of their lives. Many have already paid with their 
lives. More than 33,000 Americans have documented illnesses directly 
related to their work at Ground Zero.
  Since 9/11, more than 200 firefighters and police officers have 
already passed away. In my district, more than 6,700 heroes will rely 
on the Zadroga Act for medical care not for the next 5 years, as is 
being proposed, but for the rest of their lives.
  Time doesn't erase our moral imperative to cover their medical 
expenses. It is an extension of the costs of the attack. America's 
heroes deserve a permanent reauthorization of the Zadroga Act, and 
nothing less.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House permanently reauthorize this 
program, which is essential to our deserving heroes.

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