“Today [12/7/2023], Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) released a statement following the finalization of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes much needed funding to address the shortfall in the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Specifically, this legislation will provide $444 million to address the WTCHP funding gap and $232 million to extend coverage for military and civilian 9/11 responders at the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA.
‘I am incredibly proud of the work Senator Gillibrand and I did to ensure $676 million in funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was included in the final version of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),’ said Rep. Garbarino. ‘This funding will go a long way towards addressing the impending shortfall and ensuring that, in addition to those at Ground Zero, all survivors and first responders who ran towards danger at the Pentagon and in Shanksville receive the care that they deserve. I thank Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping the promise he made to me to stand behind our 9/11 first responders and survivors. Speaker Johnson upheld his commitment and worked closely with me to make certain the proposed funding amount was included. I, along with Congressman D’Esposito who is a critical partner in working to address the shortfall, will continue to fight for all those impacted by 9/11-related illnesses. We will not rest until the WTCHP is fully funded for all who need it.'”
– Andrew Garbarino, “Garbarino, Gillibrand Secure Funding For 9/11 Health Care in Annual Defense Package,” garbarino.house.gov, December 7, 2023