Target: Vern Buchanan, Chair of U.S. House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health
Goal: Support robust investment in the World Trade Center Health Program.
Hundreds of thousands of survivors and first responders of America’s deadliest terrorist attacks are represented in nearly every district of the country. Ten years after September 11, 2001, these individuals were promised assistance and compensation from their federal government for the many health issues that have resulted in the attack’s aftermath (including a soaring number of cancer diagnoses). How have the nation’s elected leaders been responding to this tragedy in recent weeks?
They removed funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (which has studied the public health ramifications of the attack and has provided invaluable medical aid and funding for survivors) from a federal budget spending plan. As part of the president’s mass layoffs, they have fired many key personnel involved in sustaining the program (including the program’s leader) and in the process left localities without important points of contact. And Senator Ron Johnson – the man who vowed he would help save the program – has busied himself spreading September 11 conspiracy theories and suggesting taxpayer-funded hearings to validate said conspiracies.
Sign the petition below to demand these leaders get their priorities straight for the sake of Americans still suffering from a national tragedy.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Buchanan,
The number of people who have died from exposure to toxins unleashed on September 11 now more than double the death toll from the attacks themselves. Almost half a million people are still facing the repercussions of 69 cancer types, debilitating respiratory ailments, and countless other long-term physical and mental health conditions. The World Trade Center Health Program has helped tens of thousands of first responders and survivors, and it has saved lives. This important work deserves more than its current status as a political football.
Constant threats of funding cuts and the elimination of one-fifth of this program’s workforce must be reversed. Permanent funding must be a priority. Moreover, every bill that protects the integrity and longevity of this program – including the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Corrections Act – must be introduced and passed.
Take the steps necessary to show Americans that they will have the support of their elected leaders during their darkest hours.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Preston Keres
