Gillibrand Celebrates Full Funding Of Health Program For 9/11 Survivors And First Responders

Gillibrand Celebrates Full Funding Of Health Program For 9/11 Survivors And First Responders

Feb 5, 2026

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to celebrate Congress' passage of her legislation to fully fund the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

"Fully funding the World Trade Center Health Program honors our promise to never forget 9/11 survivors and the brave first responders who put their lives on the line for our country," said Senator Gillibrand. "Making sure our 9/11 first responders and survivors have the resources they need to cope with the long-term health effects from toxic exposure has been one of my top priorities for my entire service in Congress. I am relieved that, after years of fighting tirelessly for its passage, this funding has been signed into law."

Twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks, first responders and survivors continue to be diagnosed with serious and often life-threatening 9/11-related health conditions, underscoring their ongoing need for care. The updated funding secured this week continues that commitment to making sure 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead.

The WTCHP was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Senator Gillibrand led lawmakers in passing $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, Senator Gillibrand helped secure an additional $676 million for the program. The updated funding secured this year continues that commitment to ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead.

New Yorkers in every congressional district are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program. A full breakdown of how many enrollees are in each district can be found here.

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