WASHINGTON Congress took the first step Wednesday to finally remedy its slow-motion response to the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, passing a bill out of committee that would permanently fund compensation for ailing survivors and first responders.
We have asked so much of our 9/11 responders and survivors. We relied on them to rush to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon under horrible conditions, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y.
It is time for us to give responders and survivors peace of mind, once and for all, and pass this long-term reauthorization to ensure the VCF will be there for them as long as they need it, he said.
