Parker Waichman Among Group Lobbying Congress to Permanently Extend Zadroga Act

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has long fought to ensure the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments that it will join first responders, survivors, and advocates in Washington D.C. to lobby for permanent extension of the Zadroga Act programs.

Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman and a 9/11 responder will be lobbying on September 16th . “These individuals answered the call for help at a time when their country needed them most.” Mr. McCauley also lobbied in Washington for the 2010 passage of the Act, often along with the firm's clients—other 9/11 responders and survivors. “They and their families deserve these benefits and, because of this, the firm continues to urge Congress to reauthorize the Act.”

Participants in the Act's programs live in all 50 United States and 429 of the 435 Congressional Districts. It took nearly 10 years to pass the original bill which provides benefits for 9/11 responders and survivors through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). “If the Act is not reauthorized, 9/11 heroes will be left without the benefits they need and deserve,” said Mr. McCauley.

According to a report issued by Citizens for the Extension of the Zadroga Act on September 15, 2015, the group will arrive on Capitol Hill and walk the Halls of Congress—again—to lobby for permanent extension of the Act. Many lobbyists are ill responders and survivors; physicians from the program; Ben Chevat and representatives from Citizens for the Extension of the Zadroga Act; John Feal and members of the advocacy group, The FealGood Foundation; and former “The Daily Show” host, Jon Stewart. The group will meet at a 10:00 a.m. kick-off rally at the House Cannon Triangle and will then enter the lobby on both sides of the Hill, “crisscrossing” the Capitol to meet with Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the Senate and House. Mr. Stewart will be a guest at the weekly Democratic Senate Caucus Lunch. Media will be welcomed at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Visitors Center Room 201.

In 2010, Mr. Stewart aired an entire show focusing on the illnesses and deaths first responders, survivors, and their families endured the past 14 years. Many believe Mr. Stewart's advocacy helped to see passage of the 2010 Zadroga Bill one week later on the last day of Congress' lame duck session. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat-New York), a key sponsor and advocate for permanent extension of the Act, recently appeared on “The Daily Show” saying, "We are not letting this go this time, because this one, honestly, is the most galling example of a legislature removed from the purpose of their job, and from the patriotism flag that they wave so heartedly when it serves their needs,” according to Citizens.

Citizens notes that the key message to Congress is that the deaths and illnesses did not end with the attacks and continue to mount due to toxins, including carcinogens, released at Ground Zero. The Federal Government assured the workers, the residents, and those who were employed in lower Manhattan that the air there was safe to breathe. In fact, the toxic cloud that remained burning for months contained dangerous chemicals, carcinogens, asbestos, and pulverized cement released when the Towers fell, and continued to spread and settle in homes, offices, and buildings. Citizens also notes:

• More than 85 New York Police Department (NYPD) officers have reportedly died from 9/11-related injuries since the attacks—more than the total number who died on 9/11. • More than 130 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) firefighters died on and following the attacks. • More than 33,000 9/11 responders and survivors have been diagnosed with an illness or injury resulting from the attacks, or their aftermath; more than two-thirds have been diagnosed with more than one related illness. • Many first responders and survivors are disabled and no longer able to work. • Survivors suffer from diseases that are chronic, often deadly, and include: Asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and various cancers. • More than 50 types of cancer caused by 9/11 toxins have been identified. • Some 4,166 people have been diagnosed with cancers caused or worsened by the terrorist attacks and cleanup.

“Some responders and survivors may not even be aware that they are suffering from a condition due to 9/11,” said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “Unless the Zadroga Act is extended, these individuals will lose access to critical medical care, monitoring, and compensation.”

Representative Carolyn Maloney (Democrat-Manhattan), a bill co-sponsor said the bill's supporters, which include Representative Pete King (Republican-Nassau), seek permanent renewal and complete