“The decision to propose cuts to the 9/11 Health Fund is nothing short of shameful. More than two decades after that tragic day, thousands of Lower Manhattan residents continue to battle 9/11-related illnesses — cancers, respiratory diseases, PTSD — and rely on programs like the World Trade Center Health Program and Victim Compensation Fund for vital medical care and support. As of 2024, over 44,000 survivors are enrolled in the Health Program, and claims through the Compensation Fund continue to rise, reflecting the real, lasting impact of that day on our communities.

We made a promise to every survivor that they would never be forgotten. I stand firmly against any effort to break that promise. Cutting the 9/11 Health Fund abandons the very people who lived, worked, and raised their families downtown, who breathed in toxic air and are now paying the price. These cuts would devastate families still grappling with late-emerging illnesses—and I will fight alongside our survivors, advocates, and fellow New Yorkers to protect these life-saving programs.

Our community deserves compassion, not abandonment. I urge all levels of government to reaffirm their commitment to our 9/11 survivors and ensure full funding and lasting support."