The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act is now the law of the land.
“On September 11, 2001, our nation swore to ‘Never Forget,’ and today this nation finally lived up to that solemn vow,” stated International Association of Fire Fighters International President (and MTD Executive Board Member) Harold Schaitberger following President Trump’s signing the measure in a White House ceremony on July 29.
“This important law permanently reauthorizes this essential, life-sustaining compensation fund for fire fighters, emergency medical responders and other responders who never quit until the completion of their mission after the devastating attacks of September 11,” added Schaitberger.
The measure received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate to reach the President’s desk. It authorizes the fund through 2092 to cover the health care costs for those who responded to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the nation. Besides fire fighters and emergency medical technicians, among those included are police officers, construction workers and cleanup workers who continue to suffer from their efforts. The original fund was set to close in 2020.
In pushing for passage, Schaitberger told Congress, “We have a moral obligation to act quickly and ensure injured and sick responders receive the compensation they need and deserve for losses made in service to their country.”