The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has accused Democratic Representatives Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen, both of Long Island, of hypocrisy for voting against a federal budget bill that included funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. The accusations stem from the representatives' votes on February 3rd on HR 7148, a bill that ultimately passed by a narrow margin of 217-214 before it was signed into law, ending a four-day partial government shutdown.
The NRCC pointed to a January press release where Suozzi and Gillen reportedly stated their support for a bipartisan package intended to "Secure Lifetime Funding for the World Trade Center Health Program." The Republican campaign arm alleged that the two Democrats subsequently voted against the Senate's compromise bill, which contained the necessary funding for the program.
"Two-Faced Tom Suozzi and Lying Laura Gillen stabbed 9/11 heroes and survivors in the back," said NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole. "Their vote is disqualifying, and Suozzi and Gillen will answer for it in November."
The legislation in question provided annual funding for several departments, including Labor, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, in addition to the Department of War. Democrats had largely opposed the spending plan due to a dispute over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, 21 Democrats, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer and James Clyburn, crossed party lines to support the bill.
The World Trade Center Health Program provides medical coverage and care to 9/11 responders and survivors. The law also updates the program's funding formula through 2040 to account for rising medical costs associated with toxic exposure-related illnesses that have emerged decades after the 2001 attacks.
In response to the NRCC's criticisms, the Suozzi campaign dismissed the attack as a partisan maneuver focused on a single aspect of a large spending bill. A campaign advisor highlighted Suozzi's "Five-Point ‘American Affordability Plan’" and the endorsement of 16 mayors, including five Republicans, as evidence of his focus on constituent needs. The campaign also cited Suozzi's record of supporting the WTC Health Program over the years.
A spokesperson for Rep. Gillen called the Republican committee's comments "absolutely reprehensible" and accused them of attempting to "politicize" 9/11. The spokesperson stated that Gillen, who lost friends on 9/11 and was exposed to toxic air downtown, has been a consistent advocate for the 9/11 community in Congress, citing numerous instances of her support.
Recent statistics from the federal World Trade Center Health program indicate a significant increase in cancer cases among survivors who lived, worked, or attended school near Ground Zero, with these cases now surpassing those among emergency responders. The number of 9/11 cancer victims has reportedly surged by 1,680% over the past decade.