LaLota Leads Effort to Address Concerns About World Trade Center Health Program Operations
WASHINGTON DC – Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County, NY) released a letter he led to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to request a briefing from the Department of Health and Human Services on steps being taken to strengthen the World Trade Center Health Program and address operational issues that may be delaying care for 9/11 responders and survivors. The letter cites staffing shortages, treatment delays, appeals backlogs, and provider reimbursement problems, and asks the administration to explain how it will resolve these challenges while maintaining the program’s long-term stability through 2040.
The letter was co-signed by Members of Congress from New York and New Jersey including Reps. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Rep. Thomas Kean (NJ-07), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Rep. Elise Stefank (NY-21), and Rep. Claudia Tenney, (NY-24).
“More than two decades after the September 11 attacks, thousands of First Responders and survivors still depend on the World Trade Center Health Program for lifesaving care. Recent reporting about staffing shortages, delays in authorizations, and claims processing issues is deeply concerning and demands answers. After working in a bipartisan way to secure the program’s funding through 2040, our focus now must be on ensuring the program operates effectively and delivers timely care to the men and women who sacrificed so much on that day, ” said Rep. Nick LaLota.
“My New York colleagues and I were proud to have recently secured long-term funding for the World Trade Center Health Program, but funding alone isn’t enough. We need a clear briefing from HHS so Congress can fully understand any issues happening within the program and what steps are being taken to address staffing shortages. 9/11 responders and survivors deserve the best and most efficient program possible; one that delivers timely care without delays or red tape. I’m proud to join Rep. Nick LaLota and my colleagues in pushing for answers and accountability. We have a responsibility to make sure this program delivers the care these heroes were promised,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino.
“House Republicans recently secured lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. This was a monumental achievement. Now, a congressional briefing with the Administration is a necessary step to better understand these operational issues, ensure the program is fully equipped to meet growing demand, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering timely, uninterrupted care to our 9/11 heroes," said Congressman Lawler.
"The brave men and women who answered the call of duty in our nation’s darkest hour deserve nothing less than the very best care we can provide. As they continue to live with the long-term health consequences of their service, it’s our responsibility to ensure the WTC Health Program is working efficiently and delivering care without delay. I’m proud to lead this charge with my New York Republican colleagues and look forward to hearing from HHS officials about their plans to address the issues they’ve been facing to ensure this vital program continues to serve our 9/11 heroes with the urgency and excellence they deserve,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy.
"I join my New York colleagues in calling for a congressional briefing on the steps the Trump Administration is taking to ensure the World Trade Center Health Program remains strong, responsive, and fully capable of serving the heroes and survivors it was created to protect. With the passage of this year's Appropriations bill, Congress took decisive action in securing funding for 9/11 first responders healthcare through 2040. Now, we must build on that progress by guaranteeing high quality care is provided in a timely manner to our heroes and survivors,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
“As a proud New Yorker, I will always stand with our brave first responders and survivors who answered the call on September 11, 2001. Nearly 25 years later, these heroes are still battling with the health effects of toxic exposure at Ground Zero and deserve the same unwavering commitment in return. It is not only imperative but also morally right that the World Trade Center Health Program prioritize their care and address the delayed treatment and denied reimbursements that first responders and survivors continue to face,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik.
“Nearly twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, our nation continues to stand with the courageous responders and survivors who were exposed to toxic conditions at Ground Zero,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The World Trade Center Health Program plays a vital role in ensuring these heroes receive the care and monitoring they deserve. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, continued coordination with the administration and Congress will help ensure the program remains strong and fully equipped to serve those who answered the call on that tragic day,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney.
Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act said, “On behalf of the 9/11 responders and survivors who are in the World Trade Center Health Program, Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act wants to commend Congressman LaLota for taking the lead and Representatives Garbarino, Kean, Lawler, Langworthy, Malliotakis, Smith, Stefanik, and Tenney for cosigning in calling on Secretary Kennedy to make sure that the health program is fully staffed and is fully able to deliver on its mission.”
Andrew Ansbro, President, Uniformed Firefighters Association Of Greater New York Local 94, said, “Nearly twenty-five years after September 11th, firefighters and other first responders are still battling the illnesses caused by the toxic exposure we faced while searching for survivors and recovering our fallen brothers and sisters at the World Trade Center. The World Trade Center Health Program is a lifeline for thousands of responders who continue to suffer from cancers, respiratory illnesses, and other serious conditions connected to that work.
Congressman Nick LaLota understands that ‘Never Forget’ must be more than a slogan—it must be a commitment to care for those who answered the call that day and in the months that followed. His efforts to address the needs of the World Trade Center Health Program and ensure it continues to provide timely care to responders and survivors show real leadership and respect for the sacrifices made by the 9/11 community.
On behalf of New York City Firefighters and the 140,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Healthcare Program, we thank Congressman LaLota for standing with the men and women who ran toward danger on September 11th and for helping ensure that our nation keeps its promise to never forget.”
James Brosi, President, Uniformed Fire Officers Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 854, said, “Nearly 25 years later, the firefighters and officers who responded to the World Trade Center are still living with the health consequences of that day. The World Trade Center Health Program must have the staffing and provider network needed to ensure responders receive the care they deserve. We strongly support expanding and retaining qualified providers and continuing to add new diseases linked to 9/11 exposure, so no responder is left behind.”
To read the letter, click HERE.
Background:
The letter draws attention to recent reporting concerning the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and seeks additional information about how staffing shortages may be affecting care for responders and survivors. The Members also request a congressional briefing to better understand how reported staffing and program management issues are being addressed and how Congress can continue supporting the WTCHP’s ability to deliver timely care.
The WTCHP was established under Title I of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, signed into law on January 2, 2011. Administered within the Department of Health and Human Services by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH), the program provides medical monitoring and treatment for eligible first responders and survivors suffering from health conditions linked to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Today, the program serves nearly 140,000 responders and survivors nationwide, with participants located in every state and in 434 of 435 congressional districts. As enrollment continues to grow, recent reports indicate that staffing shortfalls may be contributing to delays in authorizations and access to care. In January, Newsday reported that of the 120 WTCHP staff positions authorized by law, only 84 were filled.
Congress recently took bipartisan action to strengthen the program’s long-term stability. In passing H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, lawmakers helped address the WTCHP’s projected funding shortfall by updating the program’s funding formula from FY2026 through FY2040. The law increases annual funding for the program by 7 percent and includes adjustments based on changes in total program enrollment. President Trump signed the legislation into law on February 3, 2026.
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