Briefs

Permanent healthcare funding for 9/11 responders a priority for Sen. Gillibrand in new Congressional term

January 8, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Photo by Beth Eisgrau-Heller

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CAPITOL HILL — U.S. SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND OF NEW YORK STATED SEVERAL CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITIES during a virtual press conference she held on Wednesday, Jan. 8. A Democrat who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2009, Gillibrand was recently named to the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee for the 119th Congress. Her stated priorities include: Securing federal funding for New York’s roads, bridges, and public transit projects; passing the FAMILY Act to make 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave available to everyone who needs it; lowering the cost of prescription drugs and — as a ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee — protecting Social Security and Medicare and protecting seniors from financial scams; fighting age discrimination in the workplace by passing the Protecting Older Americans Act; expanding the Cyber Academy program that helps young people obtain an affordable college education in exchange for working for the government in national security. In light of the previous Congress’ failure last month to renew the Zadroga Act, Gillibrand also wants to pass the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act, which would provide permanent and mandatory funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.

During this term, Gillibrand will also serve as the ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

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