Advocacy Group Sheds Light on Opponents of 9/11 Benefits Extension

Advocacy organization Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act launched a website on July 2, allowing anyone to research lawmakers’ stances on the extension of the law, along with any comments an elected official has said regarding the attacks of September 11, 2001.

The creation of this website comes at a critical moment in time, as the Zadroga Act is set to expire in October. The law provides medical monitoring and treatment for 9/11 first responders. Many advocates argue that Congress has been hesitant to extend the legislation and provide continued coverage — and peace of mind — to those who sacrificed their own wellbeing in service to others.

The website functions as a tool for Americans, who can enter their zip code into the site and easily see how their state’s representatives have voted on the act and read statements made regarding 9/11 issues. The site is also connected to social media and makes it easy for constituents to contact their representatives and voice their opinions online.

Richie Alles, deputy chief of the Fire Department of New York and a board member of the advocacy group, says that this website provides people with the tools to see where Congressional representatives stand on the extension of the Zadroga Act, holding public officials accountable in a new way.

Members of Congress who are supporters of the law’s extension have been vocal about their views. Some, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, have spoken regularly in the news media raise awareness of the act’s expiration date and what it would mean to first responders who need coverage. Sen. Gillibrand recently appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, where the talk show host emphasized that he is also in favor of the law’s extension.

If you or your loved one has been affected by or diagnosed with an illness connected to the events of 9/11, call on an experienced New York personal injury attorney at Barasch & McGarry right away.