After several months of uncertainty, lobbying and countless trips to Washington by ailing first responders, the H.R.1327 - Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act has been signed into law by President Trump.
“Today we come together as one nation to support our Sept. 11 heroes, to care for their families and to renew our eternal vow, never ever forget,”
Adam Edelman of NBC News captured the president’s sentiments in his report on this momentous event. "Today we come together as one nation to support our Sept. 11 heroes, to care for their families and to renew our eternal vow, never ever forget,” said President Trump before he signed the bill. "They answered terror with the emotional strength of true American warriors…The love and loyalty of our 9/11 responders knows no bounds," he added.
The bill was introduced in the House on February 25, 2019, passed the House on July 12, 2019 with a vote of 402-12 and passed the Senate 97-2 on July 23, 2019. Less than a week after it was presented to the President, Trump signed the legislation to extend funding for the 9/11 VCF through 2092. This means the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund will never run out of money.
The passing of this bill will bring relief to the men and women whose claims had been cut following the fund’s announcement at the beginning of the year that payments would be reduced by up to 70%. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund announced on their website that they are committed to “processing claims without interruption and issuing full payments to those who received a reduced award.” With the passing of the VCF Permanent Authorizaiton Act the claim filing deadline has moved from December 18, 2020 to October 1, 2090 and all approved claims are ensured to be paid.
Many joined the President in the Rose Garden as he signed the bill, including Vice President Mike Pence and Rudy Guiliani. John Feal, 9/11 first responder and advocate was also present at the signing. He spoke with Hallie Jackson on MSNBC where he expressed the relief this bill brings to so many who have been actively fighting. He urged those weary first responders who joined him alongside Jon Stewart to trade their swords for rakes and to take the time to enjoy life.
Read more and watch the video here: bit.ly/TrumpSignsBill
