Res. No. 1020

Resolution calling on Congress to pass, and the President to sign, S.739/H.R.1410, the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025

By Council Members Lee, Brannan, Menin and Louis

Whereas, The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides vital medical monitoring and treatment to responders and survivors suffering from health conditions related to the tragic events of September 11, 2001; and

Whereas, Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011, with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero; and

Whereas, The program covers the lifespans of all exposed, including responders and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center, and those who have since experienced adverse health effects that are linked to the attacks; and

Whereas, The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support; and

Whereas, In 2022, federal lawmakers included $1 billion for the program in the end-of-year spending bill; and

Whereas, Unfortunately, this funding is not enough to keep pace with the anticipated costs of the program’s services for more than 120,000 9/11 responders and survivors; and

Whereas, It is crucial to ensure the availability of adequate funding for the WTCHP to cover program costs and support the ongoing care of responders and survivors; and

Whereas, Under the current WTCHP, the program funding is based on the monies that were appropriated the previous fiscal year and adjusted for inflation; and

Whereas, The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY),  instead, creates a new federal funding formula for FY 2026- FY 2090: that is largely calculated based on the annual changes in the number of enrollees giving the WTCHP a much needed funding boost; and

Whereas, Additionally, the Congressional Research Service writes that the bill increases the amount that WTCHP  can  spend on medical research while also improving data collection, and “the bill authorizes licensed mental health providers to perform initial health evaluations with respect to mental health conditions for purposes of determining eligibility under the WTCHP”; and

Whereas, The bipartisan 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 ensures the WTCHP remains solvent and is equipped with quality care for those survivors and responders who need it for years to come; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the New York City Council calls upon Congress to pass, and the President to sign, S.739/H.R.1410, the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025.

LS #13372; LS #17697; LS #19644

6/13/2025

EA/JEB