Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Congress Set to Extend Lifetime Health Care Benefits for 9/11 First Responders


After tirelessly lobbying Congress since late summer, the first responders who spent months working at Ground Zero following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, are set to finally receive lifetime medical care for the illnesses attributable to their time on "the pile."

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act is included in the must-pass $1.1 trillion spending package — also referred to as the omnibus — making what is essentially a permanent extension to the health care program for first responders.

Congressional leaders and the White House reached an agreement on the package late Tuesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wi., told GOP lawmakers. 

The House and Senate are expected to vote on the deal Thursday. 

Click here for the full article and video featuring Jon Stewart, who launched a campaign to help obtain funding for the bill.   

Source: NBC News

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