Rep. Malliotakis announces new health-care funding for 9/11 first responders, survivors

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Nicole Malliotakis recently announced millions in new health-care funding for 9/11 first responders and survivors.

The congresswoman made the announcement in front of FDNY’s Rescue 5/Engine 160 firehouse in Concord on Friday as she stood among dozens of first responders.

“Sadly, Staten Island has seen hundreds of people die, and we are a community that has really lost so much, not just on September 11 but in the 22 years since,” said Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn). “Today, we’re here because I’m proud to say that the United States Congress was able to do something that was needed -- which was to extend the funding in the National Defense Authorization Act.”

The bill, signed into law at the end of 2023, included a bipartisan amendment endorsed by Malliotakis that adds an additional $444 million to address the budget shortfall of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, ensuring adequate funding until 2029. In addition, $232 million was added to extend the coverage for military and civilian 9/11 first responders who responded to the attack at the Pentagon and the site of the United Airlines Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The funding will allow the WTC Health Program, established in 2001 by Congress, to continue covering the medical treatment for those first responders and survivors who span across all 50 states.

“So really, this is something that was one day, but now 22 years later we are still seeing suffering among so many,” Malliotakis said.

According to the FDNY, there are 11,000 firefighters who suffer from WTC-related diseases, including 3,500 who have cancer. This includes a retired Staten Island firefighter, Michael Daly of Great Kills, who died at age 56 this past November after fighting a very long battle with 9/11 related illnesses.

“I speak on behalf of also the 120,000 people effected by the effects of 9/11 and also having firsthand experience -- having a member of my family, my father, being effected by the outcome of 9/11 and suffering for over eight years with a significant cancer, and eventually succumbing to that illness,” said Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, addressing those at Friday’s announcement. 

“I speak on behalf of also the 120,000 people effected by the effects of 9/11 and also having firsthand experience -- having a member of my family, my father, being effected by the outcome of 9/11 and suffering for over eight years with a significant cancer, and eventually succumbing to that illness,” said Jim Brosi, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, who spoke at Friday’s announcement. “I can tell you that the one caveat that made that process bearable, that made it somewhat humane, was the fact that we had access to very good coverage, if not the best coverage, in the world.”

He added that addressing the impact helps ease worries about bills, access and having the best chance for a long life despite past exposures. Although the exposure from the attacks can’t be undone, he thanked advocates like Malliotakis who help keep the issue in the spotlight.

“For us, 9/11 wasn’t just one day. It’s been 8,000 days, and that sacrifice continues every single day,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the NYC Police Benevolent Association, during Friday’s event. 

“For us, 9/11 wasn’t just one day. It’s been 8,000 days, and that sacrifice continues every single day. We’ve lost over 330 police officers to 9/11-related illnesses, and thousands more rely on that medical care that the World Trade Center Health Program provides. That funding is necessary,” said Patrick Hendry, president of the NYC Police Benevolent Association, during Friday’s event.

Representatives from the following unions were also at the event: NYPD Detectives’ Endowment Association; NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association; NYPD Captains Endowment Association; Uniformed Firefighters Association; Emergency Medical Services Local 2507; NYPD Lieutenants Benevolent Association, and the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.