Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, applauds Jon Stewart for his continued dedication to responders and survivors. According to a September 17th release issued by the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, Jon Stewart visited Capitol Hill on September 16 to push for permanent extension of the Zadroga Act, which established the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). If Congress does not take action, these programs will begin to expire in phases starting next month.
Richard Alles, Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Deputy Chief and Board Member of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, said in the release that, Jon Stewart is a true hero to 9/11 heroes. We couldn't be more grateful for his time, dedication to helping us, and the support he brought us yesterday. The spotlight Jon's put on 9/11 health means that no one can say any longer that they need to study the issue. We hope that Speaker Boehner will follow the lead of his own health committee Chairman Fred Upton and commit to bringing the bill up for a vote.
It is encouraging to see growing support for the Zadroga Act, which provides a crucial lifeline to 9/11 heroes, said Gary Falkowitz, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. Extending the Zadroga Act will help save lives.
The WTC Health Program provides medical treatment and monitoring to sick responders and survivors. The program currently monitors over 70,000 people and treats 33,000; funding to the WTC Health Program will end in October if Congress does not take action. If the Zadroga bill is not renewed, cash reserves will be used to keep the program running into next year before it ends entirely. The VCF provides compensation and is slated to expire next October.
Parker Waichman comments that these programs are crucial for many responders suffering from 9/11-related conditions. These individuals selflessly answered the call for help during 9/11, and now their heroism has cost them their health, said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. They should not need to ask for benefits, and permanent extension of the Zadroga Act should not be an issue that is up for debate.
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. In fact, Mr. McCauley has lobbied for the original Act's passage in 2010 and, again, last week, along with Jon Stewart; Richard Alles; and Ben Chevat, executive director of the Citizens for the Extension of the Zadroga Act lobbying for the Act's permanent extension. The firm continues to support the Zadroga Act and remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of responders and survivors. Parker Waichman was also recently involved in the Take Action tool that allows responders, survivors, and advocates the ability to review their Congresspersons' activities concerning the upcoming expiration of the James Zadroga Act. Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of, the Tool, which may be accessed at: [Renew 911 Health Organization's website](http://www.renew911health.org/coalition-organizations/).
Parker Waichman continues to fight, alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and their advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments, and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes and ensure all of the Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, and for assistance with a claim, please visit [Parker Waichman's website or call](http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/zadroga-act-wtc-world-trade-center-claims-lawyer-attorney-lawsuit) 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
