Senators Need More Information on 9/11 Bill

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee released the following statement in relation to Democratic efforts to move H.R. 847, 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, during the lame duck session of Congress.

“All senators should be concerned about providing care for the public safety workers of 9/11 by ensuring that new and existing programs are accountable, transparent and provide quality care to patients. During the two HELP Committee hearings held to consider funding for 9/11 first responders, first in 2007 and again in 2010, senators requested information from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to demonstrate how $475 million already allocated to health providers serving 9/11 victims has been spent. In addition, it is reasonable to ask how this new proposal for as much as $10 billion would be used in light of the recent court settlement. Although it is their prerogative to do so, the Senate Democratic chairmen of the committees of jurisdiction have not scheduled a committee vote to address concerns and ensure that we are truly meeting the needs of the 9/11 public safety workers. Perhaps they also see the need to have all the relevant information before acting.”