Honoring 9/11 Heroes by Keeping Our Promise

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On the 24th anniversary of September 11th, U.S. Representative Josh Riley (NY-19) announced his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan "9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025" (H.R. 1410), legislation to strengthen and secure long-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.

"Twenty-four years ago, we watched tragedy unfold, and we watched heroes step forward," Riley said. "First responders, volunteers, and everyday New Yorkers ran into danger to save lives. So many of them are still carrying the weight of that day - and we owe them more than gratitude. We owe them care. This bill helps us keep that promise."

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition including Riley, ensures that the World Trade Center Health Program - which provides medical monitoring and treatment for 9/11 responders and survivors - has the resources and flexibility needed to meet growing demand for care.

Key provisions of the bill:

• Secures long-term funding: Guarantees stable funding for the program through 2090 and adjusts resources as enrollment grows.
• Expands mental health access: Allows licensed mental health providers, in addition to physicians, to evaluate and certify 9/11-related mental health conditions.
• Improves administrative efficiency: Streamlines provider credentialing and ensures accurate enrollment counts.

The World Trade Center Health Program currently serves more than 125,000 responders and survivors nationwide, including hundreds from Upstate New York. Without legislative updates, the program faced looming funding shortfalls in the coming years.

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