President Trump Signs Bill Ensuring Money For 9/11 Victims Fund Until 2092

Members Of Congress Hold A Press Conference With 9/11 First Responders After 'September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act' Vote

A bill guaranteeing billions in health care funding for police officers, firefighters and other first responders to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks was signed by President Donald Trump Monday morning in the Oval Office.

"Today we come together as one nation to support our September 11 heroes and to care for their families … and to renew our eternal vow, never ever forget,” Trump said, moments before signing the bill.

"The whole world witnessed the might and resilience of our men and women in the New York fire department and New York police department," the president said. "They answered terror with the emotional strength of true American warriors."

The legislation authorized funding for the 9/11 Victims Fund through 2092 in a move that essentially makes it permanent. The original fund was first authorized in 2001 and distributed more than $7 billion to help compensate the families of the 2,880 people who died on 9/11/2001 and another 2,680 people who were injured in the attack. Later in 2011, the fund was reactivated by Congress and extended to aid thousands more.

"The love and loyalty of our 9/11 responders knows no bounds," Trump added. "We pledge to stand by the families of those affected today, and every day we will stand with you."

Lawmakers in the Senate passed the bill 97-2 last week following the House passing the legislation in a 402-12 vote earlier this month.

President Trump Signs September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act

The bill became a hot topic in Washington D.C. this month following emotional testimony from 9/11 first responders in front of the House Judiciary Committee on June 11. In particular, comedian Jon Stewart, excoriated lawmakers for failing to attend a hearing for the bill ensuring benefits for the next 70 years. An angry and occasionally tearful Stewart called the hearing "an embarrassment to the country and a stain on the institution" of Congress during his tirade. Stewart also noted the "disrespect" shown to first responders by lawmakers was "utterly unacceptable."

Many of the first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center suffered serious health issues, including some who developed respiratory and digestive-system ailments in the aftermath of the attacks that brought down the twin towers. A spike in cancer cases was also observed among 9/11 first responders in the years after the attacks.

The fund's administrator warned in February it would have to begin significantly reducing its awards after a surge in claims due to an increased rate of serious illnesses. The fund was set to expire in December 2020. The new bill has been extended for the next few decades and is funded for whatever costs are necessary.

Photos: Getty Images


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