House Speaker Paul Ryan Supports Zadroga Reauthorization

House Speaker Paul Ryan announced support for extending Zadroga Act benefits, which provide medical treatment and compensation to 9/11 responders and survivors. Parker Waichman LLP comments that toxic exposure at Ground Zero has been linked to many serious health problems.

New York, USA – December 1, 2015 /PressCable/ —

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that House Speaker Paul Ryan supports reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. According to a Newsday article published on November 19, 2015, the House Speaker has contacted two key House Committee chairmen to coordinate with Representative Peter King to extend the benefits. “I favor reauthorizing the program,” House Speaker Ryan said at a news conference, according to Newsday. “I have asked our committees of jurisdiction to work with Congressman Pete King to come up with a solution to this program so, that by the end of the year, we have reauthorized the program.” In light of the fact that programs will start running out of money in February, House Speaker Ryan said, “I think we should get this done by the end of the year.”

According to Parker Waichman, Zadroga benefits provide a crucial lifeline to many sick responders and survivors. The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which expired on October 1, 2015, provides medical treatment to 33,000 people and monitors an additional 70,000. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation and is slated to expire next October. “There is still a way to go, but the firm applauds the growing support of the Zadroga bill,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman. “These 9/11 heroes are still suffering years after the attacks. Limits should not be imposed on their benefits.”

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation’s capital, often along with the firm’s clients—other responders and survivors. Parker Waichman continues today to fight for permanent extension of the Act, taking part in numerous lobbying efforts and being part of delegations.

The firm comments that many responders and survivors developed serious health problems, such as cancer and respiratory disorders, due to toxic dust exposure. Current research continues to find elevated rates of these conditions among individuals who were exposed. On November 16, 2015, the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine published a study analyzing the rates of physician-diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) among firefighters in the decade following the 9/11 attacks. The authors found that, “The risk of CRS in FDNY firefighters appears increased with WTC-exposure, and has not diminished by time since exposure.”

“It is becoming increasingly clear that responders and survivors are suffering as a result of toxic exposure,” said Mr. McCauley. “Congress must act now in order to save lives.”

The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. In fact, Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the “Take Acton” tool that enables citizens to review Congress members’ activities concerning the Act. The tool may be accessed at the Renew 911 Health Organization’s website.

Parker Waichman also fights alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

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Contact Info:
Name: Parker Waichman
Organization: Parker Waichman LLP
Address: 59 Maiden Lane 6th Floor New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212-267- 6700

Release ID: 97960