Victim Compensation Fund

The omnibus spending bill Congress passed in December 2015 and President Obama signed included a provision years in the making: $4.4 million in compensation for each American hostage held captive in Iran 35 years ago. The 52 Americans were stationed at the American Embassy in Tehran when Iranian students stormed the building in 1979. The […]

Finally!  Earlier today, Congress officially voted to extend the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act.  It wasn’t until 11 p.m. on Tuesday that New York lawmakers and advocates knew for sure that the $1.1 trillion must-pass omnibus spending bill for 2016 actually included a $8.1-billion extension of the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. But, Congress […]

As of midnight, September 30, 2015, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act expired. The expiration means that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the WTC Health Program will not be funded beyond October 2016. Does Congress truly intend to abandon thousands of 9/11 responders and survivors who served our country valiantly in […]

Mike Barasch watched with gratitude as Jon Stewart returned to the Daily Show to shine a light on Congress’ refusal to pass legislation that would extend the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act (including the Victim Compensation Fund). Stewart urged viewers to contact Senate Majority Leader McConnell and House Speaker Ryan to urge them to pass […]

On Monday, November 2, 2015, Mike Barasch attended a press conference at Ground Zero to support Congressional Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerry Nadler, Frank Pallone, Nydia Velázquez, and Steve Israel, all who all criticized recent Republican proposals that would provide an underfunded and temporary extension of the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act.  The new Republican […]

Mike Barasch joined John Feal and two dozen first responders in Washington to lobby for a permanent extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. A pending bill is sponsored in the House by Congressman Peter King and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Prior to making their rounds, Barasch and Feal visited Mr. King’s office and expressed their appreciation […]