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Congress Approves Long-Sought Fund for 9/11 First Responders

  • Senate’s 97-2 vote sends stalled bill to Trump for signature
  • Former Comedy Central host Stewart lobbied for legislation
People observe the 'Tribute in Light' in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2018.

People observe the 'Tribute in Light' in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2018.

Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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The U.S. Senate voted to replenish a fund that provides lifelong medical help and other compensation for firefighters, police officers and other first responders affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, sending the long-stalled legislation to President Donald Trump.

The measure, which passed on a 97-2 vote, is designed to make the fund essentially permanent, extending the resources through at least fiscal 2092. The $4.6 billion Congress provided in 2017 proved insufficient, and dozens of first responders who suffered health effects from from working at “Ground Zero” in New York City came to Washington to lobby for the fund’s renewal.