Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, continues to urge Congress to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act before year-end 2015. The Zadroga Act, which Congress has already allowed to expire, provides medical treatment and compensation to survivors through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), respectively. In response to the upcoming deadline, Parker Waichman's Matthew McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel notes that we are now in the last week of the year for Congress and while we are closer to our goal of seeing permanent extension of the Act, we are not yet there and still need the vote.
Mr. McCauley writes that, Things are looking good but we are all holding our breath. Last week we were back in DC for another round of sudden, last minute meetings on Wednesday and Thursday and I can tell you all that your voices were certainly heard when the phone calls poured in on Tuesday. THANK YOU to everyone who acted in response to the email and text message blast that I sent out. Believe me when I tell you that these calls were HUGE. Mr. McCauley's meetings last week were with part of a group that included Congressman Dan Donovan (Republican-New York) and Representative Peter King (Republican-New York).
Mr. McCauley added, I know many of you are waiting and counting the seconds, so I wanted to give you an update. Mr. McCauley gratefully deferred to Michael McAuliff of the [Huffington Post](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sept-11-responders-health-bill_56702effe4b0e292150f3478).
The Omnibus bill must pass this week to ensure the government remains opened, according to the Huffington Post. The 9/11 measure was attached to the larger Omnibus bill that was unveiled December 15, 2015. The bill must pass this week to ensure the government remains opened, according to the Huffington Post.
The lead Zadroga Act sponsor in the House is Representative Carolyn Maloney (Democrat-New York). While positive, she noted that this has been a long struggle and she will not be celebrating until the measure passes. "Fourteen years ago I became concerned about the health effects of exposure to toxins at ground zero," Representative Maloney said. "Eleven years ago I introduced the first 9/11 health bill. Five years ago we got it passed. This week, Congress will have an opportunity to make it permanent¦. The deal is close. Now we need to see it in writing, and Congress needs to vote" she noted. "This would be a major bipartisan victory for the survivors and responders who were counting on us to get this done, the Huffington Post reported. "The finish line is in sight," said Senator Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York).
Mr. McCauley notes that, Responders were exposed to many hazardous substances in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This toxic exposure has been linked to many health conditions, including asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and over 50 types of cancer. Mr. McCauley added, These diseases are taking years to show up in first responders and survivors. It is clear that they will need care for many years to come.
Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation's capital, often along with the firm's clientsother responders and survivors. Parker Waichman continues to fight for permanent extension of the Act, including numerous lobbying efforts and being part of various delegations and rallies in 2015. The firm fights alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please [visit Parker Waichman's website](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
