STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON VOTE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE 9/11 HEALTH AND COMPENSATION ACT

“Today’s defeat in the US House of Representatives of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is outrageous, given the long battle we have waged with so many others to secure sustained medical monitoring and treatment for the first responders and survivors of the September 11th attacks. The events of that day were an attack on America, and addressing its health impacts is a national duty. People from every part of the country perished on 9/11, and first responders and volunteers from all 50 states took part in the subsequent relief and recovery efforts.

“While today’s vote clearly shows that a majority of members of Congress agree that a federal response is required, it is truly a sad statement that legislation to help WTC responders and other survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks became a victim of partisan election-year politics. It was wrong for the overwhelming majority of Republicans to vote against the bill, and it was wrong for Democrats to bring the bill to the floor under rules that made passage so much more difficult. Many people worked very hard to bring this bill to the floor for a vote, and I would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of bill sponsors Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Peter King, and to express my deep appreciation to the first responders and survivors who have worked tirelessly on behalf of this bill.

“Less than two months from today, we will observe the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. I remain committed to ensuring that those who survived the attacks, and those who risked their lives to save others, receive the health care that they deserve.”