WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04), delivered remarks on the House Floor urging Congress to pass a permanent funding fix for the World Trade Center Health Program. Below is a video of her speech and a copy of her remarks as prepared for delivery:
Full remarks can be watched here.
(As prepared for delivery) “I have the privilege of representing thousands of 9/11 first responders and survivors who live in New York’s Fourth Congressional District.
“For years, they’ve fought to get access to the health care they need and deserve.
“They’ve traveled to Washington countless times, even those that are sick and dying, to urge Congress to pass a permanent funding fix for the World Trade Center Health Program.
“These heroes, who saw us through one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, have spent two decades begging Congress to act. No one in the 9/11 community should ever have to worry about accessing the health care that they require.
“I was outraged to see this funding excluded from the spending bill passed earlier this month. Our first responders and survivors can’t wait for action. “I’m proud to help lead the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act alongside a bipartisan group of my colleagues to right this wrong.
“We promised never to forget, but every delay in funding tells the 9/11 community otherwise.
“It’s time to act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting this bipartisan bill.”
Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a champion for legislation that supports 9/11 first responders and survivors. She was an original co-sponsor of the bipartisan 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act and the bipartisan 9/11 Museum and Memorial Act.
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