Push for federal fund
Blumenthal joins first responders in demanding passage of 9/11 legislation
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined local fire chiefs and others to urge support of legislation that would replenish a federal fund to compensate first responders and others who have had health problems because of their time at the World Trade Center on 9/11 .
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined local fire chiefs and others Monday to urge the Senate’s support of legislation that would replenish a federal fund established to compensate first responders and others who have experienced health problems because of their time at the World Trade Center on 9/11 and in the months sorting through the wreckage that followed.
The bill, HR 1327, also known as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, would extend funding through 2090 — covering the lifetime of those affected — authorize a little over $10 billion for the fund and remove limits on its appropriation.
Over the past decade, many emergency workers and those who were on scene at ground zero have fallen ill — diagnosed with diseases such as cancer, kidney and liver ailments and skin problems — as a result of the toxins and chemicals in the air, Blumenthal said at a gathering at the West
Haven Fire Department.
Nearing retirement and without prior warning, New York Police Department Detective Michael John Dye, who was a young patrolman when he went to the site of the attack, suddenly fell ill last September. He was vomiting uncontrollably, and shortly after, a fellow officer found him collapsed inside the station house.
His father, New Haven resident Johnny Dye, recounted the day with difficulty. It was later on, after being rushed to the hospital by an escort with his wife, that they found their 53-year-old son strapped up to machines in a bed — confused and in pain.
After locating a golf ball-sized tumor in his brain, doctors delivered a diagnosis Michael Dye continues to battle: brain cancer.
“I would like to see the bill passed because I want to see continued care for these individuals — to make sure that they have all the medical relief they need,” said Johnny Dye, who was wearing a navy blue NYPD baseball cap. “It’s a sad situation.”
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing that was poorly attended by members in June, comedian Jon Stewart — a longtime advocate for 9/11 first responders — castigated politicians, particularly Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for their delay in addressing the depleted fund.
“Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak to no one. Shameful. It’s an embarrassment to the country, and it is a stain on this institution,” Stewart said, with first responders surrounding him. “And you should be ashamed of yourselves for those that aren’t here, but you won’t be. Because accountability doesn’t appear to be something that occurs in this chamber.”
A video of Stewart’s impassioned message went viral, and just over a month later, the House overwhelmingly passed the measure by a 402-12 vote.
Republicans have historically been resistant to the fund, pointing to its high cost — an excuse Blumenthal called “really false and unfounded.” But there is great indication, he said, the legislation will receive equal bipartisan support on the Senate floor.
McConnell has said the bill will be introduced for a vote before August, when Congress goes on recess, but as of Monday, Blumenthal had not heard of a more concrete date.
If legislators fail to act relatively soon, it may only be a matter of years before there is no funding left. The majority of the $7.4 billion designated in 2015 for the next five years — more than $5 billion — has already been spent, Blumenthal said. The special master who administers the funds has also said payments to current claimants have to be cut in half, which the proposed legislation seeks to cover.
Blumenthal repeatedly said the passage of the measure was a matter “simple justice” and there was “no excuse” for the amount of time it had taken for the legislation to receive such high-profile recognition.
“There’s no real excuse for this failure to meet this obligation right away. The outrage expressed by Jon Stewart should be felt by every American,” he said. “We should be honoring our moral obligation without compelling these first responders to come to Congress, making this request.”
Now the chief of the West Haven Fire Department, James O’Brien was a lieutenant with the department when his station got the call that the twin towers had been hit in a terrorist attack. Like many others, he threw on his gear and rushed to “the pile.”
For O’Brien, who has had colleagues succumb to 9/11-related illnesses in the past, and knows a fellow firefighter currently receiving treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital, it’s “disheartening” that legislators who often say, ‘don’t forget,’ when referring to the day’s events, seem to be forgetting those who risked their lives now.
“Never forget the sacrifices that have been made,” O’Brien said, in a message to Congress. “I don’t think anyone foresaw the lingering illnesses so many years out, but it’s here, it’s real, and the victim today is still linked to that day on 9/11. We always appreciate that we’ll have that support if it’s needed. We hope we don’t need it, but if it’s needed by one of our members or by myself, you want to know that it’s there for your health and for your family.”
Shannon Larson can be reached at slarson@courant.com.