2019: Fitzpatrick Voted For Reauthorizing The 9/11 Victim Compensation
Fund Through 2090. In July 2019, Fitzpatrick voted for a bill that
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "reauthorize through fiscal
2090 the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund to compensate first responders
and other individuals with health conditions caused by toxin exposure
due to the attacks on September 11, 2001. It would authorize such sums
as may be necessary for the fund and allow claims to be filed through
Oct. 1, 2089. It would also require the reimbursement of any claims
previously reduced due to insufficient funds and includes a number of
modifications to fund management, including to provide exceptions to a
cap for reimbursement of noneconomic damages." The vote was on a motion
to suspend the rules and pass the bill. The House agreed to the motion
by a vote of 402-12, and was later signed by the President to become
law. [House Vote 474,
7/12/19; Congressional
Quarterly,
7/12/19;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
1327]
The Bill Authorized Funds To Permanently Provide For Those Who Got
Sick From Breathing In Toxic Air At Ground Zero After The September
11 Attacks. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The bill
(HR 1327) will effectively make permanent the special compensation
fund for those who got sick with cancer and other ailments in the
attacks' aftermath, many of whom breathed toxic air for days or
weeks at Ground Zero, the site of the former World Trade Center twin
towers. The measure provides however much money is needed to pay all
eligible claims." [Congressional Quarterly,
7/29/19]
The Fund Was Running Out Of Money And Needed To Be Reauthorized To
Avoid Cutting Payouts For New Claimants. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The issue took on greater urgency earlier
this year when it became clear the special fund set up to compensate
first responders and other victims of the 2001 attacks was running
low on cash and would be forced to cut payouts for new claimants."
[Congressional Quarterly,
7/29/19]
Comedian Jon Stewart Rebuked Congress For Their Slow Pace In
Moving The Legislation. According to Congressional Quarterly,
"[comedian Jon] Stewart and lawmakers representing the victims
have expressed frustration at Congress' pace in moving legislation,
even after the overseer of the victims fund, Rupa Bhattacharyya,
announced in February that she would have to cut payouts to victims
for lack of money." [Congressional Quarterly,
6/12/19]