Preconsidered Res. No. 541
Resolution calling upon United States Senate to vote for and pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009.
By Council Members Chin and the Speaker (Council Member Quinn) and Council Members Levin, Van Bramer, Ulrich, Sanders Jr., Rodriguez, Brewer, Gennaro, Barron, Cabrera, Eugene, Fidler, Gentile, James, Koslowitz, Koppell, Lander, Mealy, Nelson, Palma, Recchia Jr., Rose, Vann, Williams, Jackson, Foster and Koo
Whereas, The attacks on September 11, 2001 against the World Trade Center were attacks against New York as a symbol of the United States; and
Whereas, According to published reports, as of June 30, 2010, 836 people who responded to the World Trade Center site following the attacks have subsequently died; and
Whereas, A significant number of workers and volunteers from all 50 states participated in rescue, recovery and clean-up after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center of September 11, 2001; and
Whereas, Those who participated in the rescue and recovery effort at the World Trade Center and those who lived, worked, attended school or were otherwise present in the area around the World Trade Center on or after September 11 were exposed to a variety of environmental toxins; and
Whereas, A significant number of people continue to suffer the physical and psychological effects of the attacks, and may develop additional or more severe illnesses in the future; and
Whereas, The WTC Health Registry was established to track and identify the long term health effects of the attacks of 9/11; while also providing guidance for the handling of future such health crises; and
Whereas, Those enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry live in all 50 states; and
Whereas, The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act ("the Act") was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Maloney, Nadler, King and McMahon, and later in the United States Senate by Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Menendez and Lautenberg to provide medical monitoring and treatment for first responders, area residents, workers, students, and others affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and
Whereas, The Act would establish the World Trade Center Health Programs within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to provide care to those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and
Whereas, The National Fraternal Order of Police, representing 328,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, has called for the Act's passage; and
Whereas The Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 29, 2010 with the bipartisan support of Republicans and Democrats; and
Whereas, Due to the procedures applicable to consideration of this legislation, it is likely 60 votes are needed in the Senate for passage of the Act and, according to published reports, all 56 Democrats and both Independents in the Senate support passage of the Act; and
Whereas, A vote has not yet been scheduled in the United States Senate on this important piece of legislation and an immediate scheduling of the vote is needed for the Act to be approved prior to the end of the current Congress; and
Whereas, President Obama has pledged to sign the Act as soon as it is passed by both houses of Congress; and
Whereas, The support of only two Republican United States Senators are required to pass the Act and have it become law; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Senate to vote for and pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2009.
MWC
LS# 1468
10/12/10