Mike Barasch joined John Feal, 20 first responders and Tom Porter in Congress

Last week, Mike Barasch joined John Feal, 20 first responders and Tom Porter in Congress. Tom is the legislative director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).  They met with dozens of republican representatives, trying to convince them and their staff of the importance of extending the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.” The extension would enable 70,000 first responders and local residents to continue their health care from the WTC Health Program. It would provide health care coverage now and in the future to claimants who are diagnosed with one of the 68 cancers linked by NIOSH to the WTC toxic dust.   It would also provide additional funding so that victims receive 100% of their Victim Compensation Fund awards.

IAVA put out a press release saying “It is unacceptable that American citizens who put their lives on the line for others have to worry about their medical care and compensation expiring.  Congress has simply failed first responders, including combat veterans, who aided in rescue and recovery in the wake of the attacks at Ground Zero. IAVA stands with every first responder and their families to urge Congress to immediately pas the permanent reauthorization of the James Zadroga Act.”