First responders who spent months working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks will finally receive lifetime medical care for illnesses related to their time “on the pile,” NBC News reported.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act is included in the $1.1 trillion spending package deal reached by Congress and the White House late Tuesday. The House and Senate are expected to vote on the deal on Thursday.
Many first responders developed cancers and other illnesses related to their recovery work, despite being told the air around Ground Zero was safe to breathe.
Congress has been slow to act on ensuring permanent health care, despite overwhelming bipartisan support. Their plight drew support from comedian Jon Stewart, who visited Capitol Hill twice this fall.
