Mr. McCauley issued a statement on the Omnibus Bill, which was officially released on December 15, 2015. The Zadroga Act is attached to this bill and it is hoped that votes will be set up this week. Assuming success, President Obama will have to sign off on the bill, which should occur within approximately 10 days following the vote. The 2,000+-page document may be accessed at: http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20151214/CPRT-114-HPRT-RU00-SAHR2029-AMNT1final.pdf Zadroga information begins at page 1889.
In part, Mr. McCauley summarized that the Final James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization included in the Omnibus World Trade Center Health Program Section ($3.5 billion) will extend the Program to 2090 with minor revisions:
¢ Administrator must provide for an independent peer review of the scientific and technical evidence prior to adding a condition to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. ¢ Deadline for the Administrator to act on petitions to add health conditions is within 90 days. ¢ Yearly caps for funding for the health program for the first 10 years; ties future increases to the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers. ¢ Allows unexpended funding in each year to be available for use in future years. ¢ Requires a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report every five years to ensure program integrity. ¢ Other technical changes
Extension of the September 11th VCF for an additional five years and with an additional $4.6 billion to pay claims. The revisions include:
¢ Applicants who received an award determination letter before the day of enactment will receive the full amount of their award. ¢ The following caps and limits will apply to any applicant who has not received an award letter by the day of enactment o Codification of the legal definition for the exposure area (the area will be the same as that used by the current VCF program but would take an act of Congress to expand in the future). o Non-economic loss awards for cancer claims capped at $250,000 and non-cancer claims capped at $90,000. o Yearly salary maximum for calculation of economic awards capped at $200,000/year. o Minimum payments will not be provided. o The Special Master must re-evaluate policies annually to ensure spending and award determinations prioritize those suffering from the most debilitating conditions.
Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director for [Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act](http://www.renew911health.org) also issued a statement that read, in part: Including the reauthorization in the 'must pass' legislation ensures that the World Trade Center Health Program will continue to operate and provide services for injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors for the rest of their lives, and extends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund for five more years with additional funding. This is a very important step of a long journey for those first responders, residents and workers who were exposed to the toxins at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the worst attack on the U.S. since Pearl Harbor. Just as Congress aided those who rescued service members and recovered our Pacific Fleet over 70 years ago, that same honor and duty has resulted in renewing much-needed aid for 9/11 responders and survivors. It's a message to the world that America will always help our heroes. Mr. Chevat also included a nod to the 72 Senators and representatives who co-sponsor the legislation, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan for their efforts to ensure that this legislation was included in the 2015 Omnibus Spending bill.
Mr. McCauley notes that, Responders were exposed to many hazardous substances, including asbestos, pulverized cement, and other chemicals 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.
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).
