National Nurses United, the nation’s largest nurses’ union and professional association, representing 190,000 RNs across the country, is urging Congress to support S. 928 / H.R. 1786, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Fund was originally created to support care and compensation for the many first responders and area residents that were sickened by toxins released by the dust and debris on 9/11. Many of these survivors became too ill to work and lost their insurance coverage, their incomes and their homes.
 
The Health Program part of the fund has required annual reauthorization and is scheduled to cease operation next year. When passed, S. 928 / H.R. 1786 would provide permanent support for the health care needs of 9/11 responders and survivors.
 
Today several hundred supporters of the bill, including Jon Stewart, firefighters with the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and other 9/11 first responders, will lobby Congress in support of the legislation. 

"Those affected by the terrible events of September 11 deserve lifetime coverage for health problems associated with the terror attacks," said NNU Co-President, Karen Higgins, RN. "That’s why National Nurses United joins other groups in supporting bi-partisan legislation, S. 928 / H.R. 1786 to create a permanent program for these responders and survivors, so that the heroes of 9/11 do not have to keep returning to Congress to ask the nation to fulfill its promises."
 
"This situation reminds us that the best protection for 9/11 responders would be universal, guaranteed Medicare for All providing healthcare for all who live in the United States," said Deborah Burger, RN, Co-President of NNU. "No family in this nation should worry about whether they will have access to medical care when and where they need it.  Nurses will continue to fight for a more humane healthcare system that leaves no one-- not our children, not our first responders, not any Americans-- behind."