President Obama Signs 9/11 First Responders Health Bill Into Law

It took almost ten years after the devastating attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. for the first responders who risked their lives on September 11, 2001 to get government help with their health expenses.

President Obama took time out of his Honolulu vacation to sign the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act into law yesterday.

President Barack Obama said Sunday he was honored to sign a bill to provide aid to survivors of the Sept. 11 attacks and first responders who became ill working in the ruins at the World Trade Center.

“We will never forget the selfless courage demonstrated by the firefighters, police officers and first responders who risked their lives to save others,” Obama said in a statement. “I believe this is a critical step for those who continue to bear the physical scars of those attacks.”

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was named after a police officer who died of a respiratory disease he contracted during the 9/11 rescue operations. The bill was one of the last measures Congress passed before adjourning in December.

Some Republicans tried to block the measure, saying they were concerned with how to pay for the bill. They dropped their opposition after lawmakers struck a compromise to reduce the costs.

The $4.2 billion measure will be paid for with a fee on some foreign companies that get U.S. government procurement contracts.

“At long last, the President’s signature has ended our nine-year struggle to address the 9/11 health crisis. The Zadroga law will save lives and fulfills our moral obligation to care for those who rose to the defense of America in a time of war,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y.

“This is a great victory for the heroes of September 11th, the firefighters, police officers and construction workers. Justice is finally being served,” added Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly hailed the passage of the bill. “The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were an attack on America by a foreign enemy and addressing its health impacts is a national duty,” Bloomberg said.

Let’s see the Republicans spin this one at the end of the year when they start their 2012 campaigning.

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