AFSCME Urges Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act

AFSCME President Lee Saunders issued the following statement in support of the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. The bipartisan legislation would ensure that first responders and survivors who were injured by the toxins at Ground Zero and have certified 9/11 illnesses receive their full compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF):

“Our nation’s first responders answer the call each and every day. When disaster strikes, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their neighbors. For their courage and sacrifice in service to our communities, they have earned the nation’s unwavering respect. It is unconscionable that those who were injured or have become ill responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks should receive anything less than the full compensation they deserve. They were there for us at Ground Zero; now, we need to be there for them. AFSCME supports this bipartisan legislation and we urge Congress to pass it immediately.”