Senator Kirk Statement on 15th Anniversary of 9/11 Terror Attacks -

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CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) released the following statement marking the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks:

“This weekend we remember the 2,977 men, women and children taken from their families in the 9/11 terror attacks. We honor the survivors who live with the pain of that September morning every day, and extend gratitude to the first responders who put their lives on the line, including 170 Illinois volunteers. Last year, I worked with my colleague from New York, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, to pass into law the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act and ensure all those who sacrificed at Ground Zero receive the healthcare they deserve. It is that selfless American spirit that drives this great nation. Fifteen years later, we still remember and continue to stand united against anyone who tries to attack our country in the name of terrorism.”

BACKGROUND

Senator Kirk co-authored the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act to provide support to victims of the terror attacks and the brave men and women who risked their lives responding to the aftermath of 9/11.
The 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill included the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Act which extends the World Trade Center Health Program to 2090.
It also extends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for an additional 5 years and adds an additional $4.6 billion to pay claims.
Senator Kirk is the lead Republican co-sponsor and champion on this issue in the Senate with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York.
15 years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, 9/11 first responders and survivors are still battling health crises and setbacks resulting from exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero.
63,000 responders are receiving medical monitoring to safeguard against illness or injury, and more than 33,000 9/11 responders and survivors have at least one illness or injury caused by the attacks or the aftermath, more than 170 of whom live in Illinois and are currently enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.