9/11 survivors calling on US lawmakers to act after DOGE cuts

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Survivors of the 9/11 terror attacks are calling on US lawmakers to act as a federally funded aid program that benefits victims could run out of money. 

Back in 2019, Congress voted to permanently extend the World Trade Center Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation act. 

The WTC Health Program provides no-cost medical screening and treatment for 9/11 survivors, while the Victim Compensation Fund provides direct payouts to people who were affected by exposure. President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency slashed funding for the health program earlier this year. 

On Wednesday, Barasch and McGarry—the law firm that represents 9/11 victims nationally—held a public meeting at the Hotel Ballast to discuss the impending budget shortfall. As Managing Partner Michael Barasch notes, the health program will run out of funding by 2027 if Congress fails to act. 

“Mr. Musk cut the program 20%, then he fired 16 doctors,” Barasch explained.” There was a huge bipartisan outcry, because let’s face it, that toxic dust, it didn’t care if you were Democrat or Republican, white or black, everybody is coming down with the same illnesses.” 

According to the CDC, more than 140,000 survivors and first responders have benefited from the program. 

“I responded there just when the second tower collapsed,” former New York Firefighter Richard Gimbl said, noting many illnesses are only now appearing in his former colleagues. 

“I just had one of my members just come down with cancer,” he said. “The medications are so expensive, without this bill, I don’t know how he could afford it.” 

Barasch is hopeful other survivors will take advantage of the program. 

“They are still entitled to the benefits of free healthcare for life for their 9/11 illnesses, and up to $250,000 if they ever get diagnosed with cancer, and up a half a million dollars if they die,” he said. 

Gimbl calling on federal lawmakers to act. 

“This is America. Do what we’re about, right? Take care of our own—and now’s the time to do it,” he said. 

If you would like to learn more about the World Trade Center Health Program, you can visit here. 

To learn more about the Victim Compensation Fund, visit here.