The federal government's responsibility for meeting health care problems resulting from 9.11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City were addressed in hearings held yesterday. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, (D-NY) was among the witnesses to testify about the nation's responsibility, not just New York's, in meeting the physical and mental health needs of responders. Uncertain federal funding has compromised treatment options, including special programs set up for firefighters and police. Maloney lambasted the Bush administration for discharging Dr. Andrew Howard last month, despite successful programs for monitoring and treating.
Other witnesses who argued the federal government should accept responsibility included New York City's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, who urged reopening the Victim Compensation Fund. Dr. Jacqueline Moline, from New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine said that PTSD appeared in 11 percent and depression in nine percent of responders five years after the attacks. Roughly 50,000-100,000 people responded.
Maloney introduced H.R. 6594; to follow this bill, click here.
