- 1 Why Was The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Created?
- 2 Who is The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Intended For?
- 3 When Will The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Pass?
- 4 Other Resources for 9/11 Survivors and Families of Fallen Heroes
Pitta & Baione LLP is excited to announce the introduction of the Continued Costs of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act, a critical new bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the ongoing financial, medical, and emotional toll on the survivors, first responders, and their families who have been impacted by the events of September 11, 2001. This proposed legislation seeks to ensure that those affected by the devastating aftermath of the attacks continue to receive the essential support they need as they battle long-term health issues directly tied to their exposure to toxins at Ground Zero.
Why Was The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Created?
It may be over two decades since the tragedy of the September 11th Attacks occurred, but the effects of the attacks on the lives and health of first responders are still being realized. In 2001, former President George W. Bush worked with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to establish pension funds for the families of our fallen heroes of the September 11th Attacks. Based on the estimations at the time, FEMA reimbursed the state and city pension systems for $290 million.
We now know that these reimbursements are much lower than originally thought appropriate. New York City’s Office of the Actuary asserts that the true cost of 9/11-related retirements and deaths has soared to roughly $3.4 billion – over ten times the amount originally estimated. This figure is projected to become much higher in the coming decades as our heroes and their families enter their golden years.
“The ramifications of 9/11 have reverberated far beyond what anyone initially anticipated. We lost nearly 3,000 Americans that day, but no one knew that we’d lose thousands more in the aftermath to 9/11-related illnesses,” House Representative Andrew Garbarino, a Republican co-creator of the bill said. “It’s an unimaginable truth and one that only amplifies the horror of these attacks. Now that this is our reality, we must take action to ensure our brave first responders are taken care of.”
Who is The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Intended For?
As of now, the newly introduced bill is intended to address the cost associated with the health issues endured by first responders such as New York police officers and firefighters as well as the pain and suffering endured by our fallen heroes’ families who have lived without out their loved ones for over two decades.
The new bill if passed would directly reimburse city and state retirement systems $3,402,600,000 for the miscalculation carried out in 2001 by FEMA which has had a lasting effect on how the families of NYPD and FDNY first responders access their benefits.
“The negative impacts of September 11th continue to be felt in a myriad of ways, one of them being the serious financial strain the attack has caused New York’s pension system which is a crucial lifeline for so many first responders and other survivors,” said House Representative Anthony D’Esposito, another co-creator. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan Continued Costs of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act to ensure New York’s pension system does not face a shortfall caused by lingering effects of 9/11, and this crucial retirement fund remains properly funded for years to come.”
When Will The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act Pass?
This exciting bipartisan bill is in the very beginning stages. It has been drafted and officially introduced to the US House of Representatives, but it will still need to be voted on by The House and Senate before it can be written into law. Pitta & Baione LLP will continue to update the public and our clients as more information develops.
Other Resources for 9/11 Survivors and Families of Fallen Heroes
The Continued Cost of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act is an exciting step forward in helping survivors and the families of fallen 9/11 first responders access resources such as retirement and pension funds, but it may be several years before the bill is passed. If you have been impacted by the devastation of this historic tragedy, Pitta & Baione LLP would welcome the opportunity to hear your story and help you get access to the resources you need. This may include healthcare or compensation for the trauma and suffering you have endured over the years. Our law firm has dedicated over two decades to this cause and has recovered over 450 Million dollars in damages for survivors and for first responders and their families. Whether you feel you have a simple question or you would like to schedule a consultation, we encourage you to give us a call.
