Rep. Peter King: Permanent Funding For Zadroga Act 'Very Likely' Coming Next Week

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After months of pushing, New York lawmakers are positive the Zadroga Act for sick 9/11 first responders will be made permanent this coming week.

As WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported, The fight to get the Zadroga Act extended began long before a significant portion of the bill expired in October - leaving thousands of people suffering from 9/11-related illnesses at risk of losing the medical compensation they need.

But it seems like that fight may soon be over.

"Right now it looks very likely that the Zadroga 9/11 Health bill will be included in the final spending bill that we should be voting on by Wednesday or Thursday of this week," said Rep. Peter King.

King said if the larger bill passes, the Zadroga Act would be extended for another 75 years.

"So everyone who could have gotten sick from Ground Zero will be covered by this bill," he added.

King said the bill will also include screenings for those who might not know they're ill yet.