Advocates Strengthen Lobbying, Urge Congress to Pass Permanent Zadroga Act

2024-12-22 10:46:02 Legal / Law

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Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, continues to support permanent reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. On December 3, 2015 Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of the [Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act](http://www.renew911health.org/?s=%E2%80%9CTIME+IS+RUNNING+OUT%E2%80%9D%3A+9%2F11+FIRST+RESPONDERS+AND+SURVIVORS+CALL+ON+CONGRESSIONAL+LEADERS+TO+EXTEND+AND+FULLY+FUND+THE+ZADROGA+ACT+BY+YEAR%E2%80%99S+END); 9/11 advocate John Feal of the FealGood Foundation; 9/11 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) first responder, Ray Pfeifer; responders; survivors; and members of the House and Senate gathered on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to extend Zadroga benefits. Among the group was Matthew McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel and a former New York Police Department (NYPD) officer and 9/11 first responder. Mr. McCauley was part of the small group invited to meet with Republican Senator Mitch McConnell's Chief of Staff. In an announcement dated December 3, 2015, the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act emphasized that time is running out" as the end of session approaches.

Senator McConnell (Kentucky) is being blamed for blocking a healthcare measure that may help sick 9/11 first responders. Senator McConnell has my life in his hands," noted Mr. Pfeifer. Mr. Pfeifer has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, is confined to a wheelchair, and was in attendance with other ill survivors, according to MSNBC. Luke Russert, Capitol Hill correspondent for NBC News and guest anchor on various MSNBC programs, noted that, following the attacks, the government assured responders and survivors that the air in lower Manhattan was safe to breathe http://www.msnbc.com/thomas-roberts/watch/9-11-health-care-funding-removed-from-highway-bill-578043971817

The Senator is being blamed for stonewalling the bill. In the interview with Mr. Russert, Mr. Pfeifer also pointed out that, although many politicians were willing to salute their service and give accolades after 9/11, some are now unwilling to use their legislative power to help ailing responders. Where are you now? What ever happened to 'Never Forget?'" he asked Luke Russert, with Mr. McCauley standing by his side.

Meanwhile, Zadroga benefits have already begun to expire. Congress allowed the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical treatment and monitoring, to expire on October 1, 2015. More than 33,000 people suffering from 9/11-related injuries are treated through the program and another 70,000 are monitored. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation and will expire in October 2016 if Congress does not take action. Sick responders and survivors live in every state and in 433 out of 435 Congressional districts.

Over the last several months, we've heard a number of kind words from Members of Congress about first responders and their service on and after September 11, 2001, but quite frankly we've had enough of the platitudes. It's time for Congress to do its job," said Richard Alles, Deputy Chief of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and board member for the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, according to the announcement. The Zadroga Act has already expired; the clock is ticking. We are counting on Congress to step-up and renew health care and compensation now."

Parker Waichman notes that responders were exposed to many hazardous substances, including asbestos, pulverized cement, and other toxins and chemicals in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Toxic exposure has been linked to numerous health conditions, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and over 50 types of cancer. At least 4,166 cancer diagnoses have been linked to exposure to the toxic cloud that hovered over Manhattan's 9/11 attack site; the number of cases is expected to increase as time goes on.

The longer Congress waits, the more lives are lost," said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. These individuals have already sacrificed their health and well being at a time when their country needed them most. They should not have to beg for benefits."

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clientsother responders and survivors. Parker Waichman continues today to fight for permanent extension of the Act, taking part in numerous, nearly weekly lobbying efforts and being part of delegations.

The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors and even assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Take Acton" tool that enables citizens to review Congressional members' activities concerning the Act. The tool may be accessed at the Renew 911 Health Organization's website.

The firm fights alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit [Parker Waichman's website](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).