Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on President Bush to rescind his threat to veto a budget, which provides $109 million in critical funding to healthcare programs to treat those who are now suffering from illnesses as a result of the 9/11 attacks. In a letter to the President, Senator Clinton stated that under the restraints of the President’s budget request the funding for these vital programs would be lost. Senator Clinton called on the President to remember the first responders he stood with in the days following the terrorist attacks, many of whom now suffer from debilitating illnesses, and urged him not to abandon them in this crucial time of need.

“In the aftermath the September 11 attacks our first responders and countless others reacted without concern for their own lives and safety, and many now suffer from debilitating illnesses as a direct result. They did not ask whether someday they would become sick, or how they would afford the care – they simply chose to act,” said Senator Clinton. “Congress has worked hard to put forward a plan that contains the funding necessary for these critically important 9/11 health programs. I strongly urge the President to abandon his veto threat, and to work with Congress for the common good to ensure that these vital programs receive the funding they desperately need.”

Senator Clinton has long stood shoulder to shoulder with the first responders and other victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks upon the World Trade Center, in fighting for the critical funding needed to address the short and long-term health needs of those individuals who were exposed to the environmental hazards released as a result of the tragic events of that day. More than six years after the attacks, persistent health effects have been documented among residents, rescue and recovery workers, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, and gastrointestinal conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other health effects have also been diagnosed among many of those that have been exposed.

The letter to President Bush is attached –

December 11, 2007

The Honorable George W. Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Congress is entering the final stages of the Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriations cycle. While there are a number of critical programs that need funds in the next fiscal year, I want to take this opportunity to focus your attention on 9/11 health programs. Over six years ago, you stood with first responders – many of whom now suffer debilitating illnesses as a result of their exposure to the toxic stew from the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center (“WTC”) – and thanked them for their efforts. You noted that “we have seen our national character in eloquent acts of sacrifice.” Yet, should you veto the compromise plan put forward by Congress, these valiant responders will be abandoned in their hour of need.

The compromise plan proposed by Congress contains critical funding for the monitoring and treatment of individuals who became sick as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. The $109 million included in this plan would provide the funds necessary for these critically important 9/11 health programs to continue to provide uninterrupted services throughout the year. However, under your budget request this funding would be lost.

Those who responded heroically without regard to their own health to one of this country’s greatest tragedies deserve our unwavering gratitude and support. We have a moral obligation to take care of their 9/11 health related illnesses. It is our national responsibility to care for those who did our country proud in the hours, days, weeks or months following that horrific attack. Congress has carefully put together a plan that provides resources to critical programs that desperately need funding. This is the time when we need our President and Congress to reach an agreement for the common good. I urge you to immediately abandon your veto threat and work with Congress to provide the funding needed for 9/11 health programs and for our nation.

I look forward to receiving your response.


Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

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