Advocates for the 9/11 community are warning of staffing cuts at a federal program that helps first responders and others sickened by toxic smoke and debris receive medical help.
As the Trump administration continues to slash the federal government, advocates say the World Trade Center Health Program has seen a staffing reduction of 20% — a combination of layoffs and buyouts. That cut, they warn, will undermine efforts to help patients and certify their ability to receive treatment, according to Spectrum News New York 1.
John Feal, a 9/11 responder and advocate, told the news agency that the cuts will make the backlog even bigger.
“It lacks empathy, it lacks humanity … it’s repulsive,” Feal said. “We're talking about people sick and dying that are going to get sicker and die.”
Two New York U.S. senators criticized the staffing cuts.
In a joint statement, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand wrote, “The Trump administration must come clean with whatever dirty deal they have planned for a health fund that should be about taking care of our 9/11 heroes—nothing more, nothing less.”
Long Island Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino, in a statement, said, “I have emphasized to the White House how critical this program is and will continue advocating for the support it requires.”
