Congressional lawmakers are renewing a bipartisan effort to permanently fund the World Trade Center Health Program, which serves 140,000 9/11 first responders and survivors. Without new funding, the program will stop enrolling patients by October 2028, jeopardizing care for those already enrolled.
The push follows months of turmoil, including cuts triggered by President Donald Trump’s ally Elon Musk and his DOGE campaign to downsize government. In December, Trump and Musk derailed a funding bill that included 9/11 program support, and last week, 20% of the program’s workforce was briefly let go.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Charles Schumer, joined by New York representatives, aim to include permanent funding in the next government spending bill. Advocates vow continued pressure on lawmakers to ensure the program’s survival.
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