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New York Lawmakers Renew Demands For Full Extension Of Zadroga Act

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- New York lawmakers renewed their demands for Congress to fully extend health care coverage for 9/11 first responders.

The Zadroga Act provides medical screenings and treatment for responders exposed to toxic substances at Ground Zero.

As WCBS-880's Stephanie Colombini reported, the long fight to get the act extended is still not over.

"It's a national scandal," Rep. Carolyn Maloney said.

Maloney said she could not believe that during the holiday season, lawmakers and Congress are preparing to go on recess while tens of thousands of first responders and survivors are left to wonder if they will get the medical support they need.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said seven died in November alone from diseases linked to 9/11.

"This isn't some random health epidemic. This is a group of men and women who are dying now, because they chose to be our heroes on 9/11" she said.

Lawmakers are looking to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to get the bill passed before the end of the legislative session.

 

 

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