WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that aims to give 9/11 heroes greater peace of mind. The Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, permanently extends funding for those in the 9/11 first responders community, rather than requiring congressional action every five years. 

"This legislation honors the many heroes of 9/11 who bravely responded to the call of duty and assisted with cleanup efforts, with no way of knowing how they might be impacted in the years to follow," said Congressman Rogers, who cosponsored the bill. "It is a victory in memory of Luis Alvarez, who gave heartfelt and compelling testimony to Congress during his final days battling cancer that was linked to exposure from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His action was not in vain." 

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was created to provide compensation for any individual, or eligible family member of a victim, who suffered physical harm or a fatal injury as a result of the terrorist attacks, including debris removal efforts in the immediate aftermath.