Lawmakers Fighting For Accelerated Federal Benefits To Families Of Fallen First Responders

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- With families of fallen first responders waiting years to receive federal benefits, Senator Kristen Gillibrand and Congressman Peter King announced a bipartisan bill to cut red tape and help families get compensation to their loved ones.

Joanna Reisman's husband, Steven, a former FDNY lieutenant, recently died from brain cancer-- now tied back to his work during the aftermath of 9/11.

Reisman told WCBS 880's Mike Smeltz she applied to a federal government program that's supposed to help families of first responders who've died in the line of duty, except she's heard nothing from the government. 

It's not only the financial assistance. The federal government needs to grant approval for Steven's name to join a National Firefighter's Memorial in Maryland.

The bipartisan bill from King and Gillibrand would streamline and open up the claim process, 1010 WINS Carol D'Auria reported.