The IAM is urging members of Congress to co-sponsor the “Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.” This legislation would ensure that all 9/11 first responders and survivors injured by the toxins at Ground Zero and have certified 9/11 illnesses would receive their full compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
Seventeen years after the 9/11 attacks, more than 88,000 first responders and survivors hailing from every state and the District of Columbia were affected and exposed to Ground Zero toxins. More than 9,000 people have been certified as having a 9/11-related cancer.
First responders and survivors continue to suffer because of the attacks. We have a responsibility to help those that helped us on that fateful morning.
WATCH: Everyday Heroes – Our Stories of 9/11, a Machinists Union production
“The 9/11 Victim’s Compensation Fund is running out of money and scheduled to shut down in 2020,” said Machinists Union International President Bob Martinez. “This much-needed legislation will extend the authorization to 2090, a move that will match the authorization for the World Trade Center Health Program. That program was extended in 2015 until 2090. Now, we need the authorization to extend the Victim’s Compensation Fund until 2090 to ensure the continued availability of compensation for responders and survivors. We need to make sure they get the help they need, as well as ensure benefits for those that we know will be diagnosed with 9/11 related illnesses in the years to come.”
Read the full letter from Machinists Union International President Bob Martinez
TAKE ACTION: Ask Congress to Support the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Act