Brindisi Announces Push To Bring 9/11 Health Bill To House Floor

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]Congressman Anthony Brindisi is calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell to make good on their promise to support 9/11 first responders and their families by allowing a vote on legislation to permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

Brindisi was joined today by local first responders and Rome Mayor Jackie Izzo at the Rome Fire Station.

The Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act would permanently extend the expiring 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

"Congress needs to act," Brindisi said. "On September 11th, many courageous New York first responders ran towards danger. They didn't ask questions, they didn't hesitate, they bravely charged into the wreckage to help. We need to honor them not just with our words but with our actions. Politicians in Washington like to talk a lot about honoring our heroes, but talk is cheap. Permanently reauthorizing the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund is the right thing to do for these brave men and women."

The legislation unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee and awaits action on the House floor.

The bill has 332 cosponsors in the House, well over the 218 votes needed to pass.