23 years ago this past Wednesday, on September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives during the worst terror attack ever to take place on U.S. soil. This week, we remembered the victims and their families and we honored the bravery and resilience of the American people. We also recognized all those still suffering the ramifications of that day. More than two decades later tens of thousands of first responders and survivors are still suffering from 9/11-related illnesses. We must Never Forget the horror of that day and ensure our 9/11 survivors, responders, and families continue to be taken care of.

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A rarely discussed cost of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack continues to soar year by year for the New York state and city pension systems — and it now totals about $3.4 billion, according to new estimates. After the attacks, the Federal Emergency Management Administration reimbursed the pension funds $290 million to cover the death benefits for 343 firefighters and 28 active-duty and retired NYPD officers. But since then, the federal government has not made any more payments as the costs to the pension systems have continued to mount. An indicator of just how much the expenses to the pension systems have soared comes from the New York City Office of the Actuary and the New York State Comptroller: In the past three years, the costs have jumped by about $1 billion, up from the estimate of $2.35 billion in 2021. On the 9/11 anniversary this week, a bipartisan group of New York lawmakers in the U.S. House filed legislation to correct that by requiring FEMA to cover the $3.4 billion cost. 'We lost nearly 3,000 Americans that day, but no one knew that we’d lose thousands more in the aftermath to 9/11-related illnesses. It’s an unimaginable truth and one that only amplifies the horror of these attacks,' said Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), the bill’s lead sponsor.

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On Wednesday, Long Islanders gathered in memory of those we lost on September 11, 2001. While Andrew was in Washington, D.C. for votes, Team Garbarino attended 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies across NY-02 to honor those who were killed 23 years ago and stand in solidarity with our communities who lost friends and loved ones on that fateful day and in the years since. We will Never Forget.

A constituent contacted Andrew's office after her two young children were suddenly killed in a tragic accident. Their father was not in the United States and, without assistance, he would not have been able to attend his children's funeral. Andrew's casework team worked with the State Department to ensure the father could be with his family during this incredibly difficult time. 

Andrew knows how frustrating dealing with bureaucracy can be. That is why he has an entire team dedicated to helping constituents get what they need from the government. If you need help dealing with a federal agency, contact our office and our team will get to work on your case. 

This week, on the anniversary of 9/11, Andrew introduced the Continued Costs of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks Act. This legislation would allow FEMA to reimburse the State and City pension systems for the loss in pension payments due to the unanticipated deaths of those who responded to the terrorist attacks and who participated in the clean-up in the weeks following the attacks. "The ramifications of 9/11 have reverberated far beyond what anyone initially anticipated," Andrew said. "We lost nearly 3,000 Americans that day, but no one knew that we'd lose thousands more in the aftermath to 9/11-related illnesses...[this bill] will reimburse New York State and City pension systems and ensure the families of our heroes are able to receive the pensions earned by their loved ones." Learn more here.

This week, Andrew was proud to announce that, as of September 11, 2024, all 9/11 responders to the Pentagon and Shanksville who were active-duty DOD military, soldiers and sailors, as well as civilians and other Federal employees, will now be able to join the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). This change comes thanks to a provision Andrew helped secure in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA). $444 million to address the program’s funding shortfall was also included in the FY24 NDAA. Learn more here.