AFSCME’s Saunders applauds expansion of World Trade Center Health Program to include additional 9/11 first responders
WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement after Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an expansion of the World Trade Center Health Program:
“Finally, Congress has taken a step forward to add funding to the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides essential health services to 9/11 first responders. With this additional funding, we can expand the program to include the active-duty military personnel, federal employees and civilians who were on the scene of the Pentagon attack and the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.“Our nation will never forget those — including many AFSCME members — who jumped into action and put their lives on the line to save others on that tragic day. ‘Never Forget’ means we must continue to honor their service and sacrifice, with actions and not just words. And now, thanks to the leadership of Senators Gillibrand, Braun, and Schumer, they will have access to the health care they need.”