Congressman Richard Hanna was at the Utica Central Fire Station today, calling on Congress to renew the Zadroga 9/11 Health Act.

The bill that cares for men and women who suffered health effects from working at Ground Zero after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.  It expired on October 1st.

“We know that tens of thousands of first responders and survivors across the country suffer from at least one 9/11-related illness or injury,” Rep. Hanna said. “Many have multiple, severe illnesses that impact their lives every day, including 4,000 responders and survivors with cancer. What we need to do as a nation is care for these men and women who served so bravely at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001 and in the days and years after. Congress needs to move with urgency and permanently reauthorize this program.”

Hanna says over 50,000 New Yorkers benefit from the program, including more than 80 in the 22nd Congressional District.

Utica Fire Chief Russ Brooks is one of the firefighters who is being monitored through the Zadroga Health and Compensation Act.

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