Trump signs 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
WASHINGTON – Calling it a “solemn duty” to the nation’s bravest people, President Donald Trump signed a bill Monday to provide billions in health care compensation for police officers, firefighters and other first responders to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“You inspire all of humanity,” Trump told a group of 9/11 first responders gathered in the Rose Garden for the signing ceremony. Trump praised the police, firefighters and emergency personnel who raced to Ground Zero after the attack that toppled the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
“I was down there also,” the New York City developer said. “But I’m not considering myself a first responder.”
Trump singled out some responders by name. He saluted former New York police detective Luis Alvarez, who testified to Congress about the need for the bill that bears his name
Alvarez died last month after a battle with cancer he said he developed after working three months in the smoke and fumes of Ground Zero.
His testimony “touched the heart of our nation,” Trump said.
Last week, the Senate gave final approval to the plan to replenish the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund by $10.2 billion over the next 10 years.
The vote ended weeks of congressional debate over the size of the compensation plan, which benefits first responders who developed respiratory and other illnesses from the toxic fumes of the destroyed World Trade Center buildings. The compensation fund has been drawn down to the point where awards have been cut in half amid uncertainty over how much money Congress would provide.
Claims are likely to exceed 22,000 from emergency personnel who worked at Ground Zero.
The bill became a political talking point after former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart and 9/11 first responders delivered emotional testimony June 11 before the House Judiciary Committee.
“You all said you would never forget,” Alvarez told the House Judiciary Committee. “Well, I’m here to make sure that you don’t.”
Alvarez died two weeks later.