Garbarino Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Reappointment of Dr. John Howard to Lead World Trade Center Health Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), today led a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reappoint Dr. John Howard to another six-year term as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

The letter, which Garbarino led alongside Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), was signed by 26 bipartisan members of Congress ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight Dr. Howard's leadership of the World Trade Center Health Program and note that Congress recently secured lifetime funding for the program, ensuring responders and survivors continue receiving the care they have earned.

"Twenty-five years after September 11th, New Yorkers know our responsibility to the responders and survivors who answered the call has never ended," said Congressman Andrew Garbarino. "Congress recently secured funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the lifetime of the program, ensuring those who continue to suffer from the health effects of 9/11 will receive the care they have earned for years to come. Dr. Howard has dedicated more than two decades to serving the 9/11 community, and we owe him our sincere thanks for that commitment. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks, reappointing Dr. Howard will provide the continuity and stability the Program deserves."

"Honoring our promise to 'never forget' means protecting healthcare for 9/11 first responders and survivors," said Senator Gillibrand. "Dr. Howard has dedicated his career to ensuring that 9/11 heroes get the specialized care they need to cope with the long-term health effects of toxic exposure. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, the Trump administration must reappoint Dr. Howard to guarantee that survivors keep the care and stability that they deserve."

"Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act want to thank Congressman Garbarino and Senator Gillibrand for leading this strong bi partisan effort and all of the members of Congress who joined with them in urging Secretary Kennedy to show he fully supports the WTC Health Program and its work in providing health care to over 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors by reappointing Dr. Howard as the program Administrator before the upcoming 25^th Anniversary of 9/11 this September," said Ben Chavet, executive director of the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act.

The World Trade Center Health Program provides critical medical services to more than 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors across all 50 states. Earlier this year, Congress secured funding for the lifetime of the Program, permanently addressing its projected funding shortfall and providing long-term certainty for responders, survivors, healthcare providers, and researchers.

In their letter, the Members recognized recent steps taken by the Department of Health and Human Services to address staffing shortages, delayed research grants, and pending petitions for additional covered conditions. They also emphasized that maintaining experienced leadership will help ensure the Program continues operating effectively as it enters its next chapter. The Members urged Secretary Kennedy to reappoint Dr. Howard before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Read the Full Letter

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