9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025
9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Bill Summary: 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 **What It Does:** This bill would change how the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)—a federal health care program for 9/11 first responders and survivors—receives its annual funding. Instead of basing funding on the amount appropriated the previous year plus inflation, the new formula would adjust funding based on the number of program enrollees each year. The bill also allows mental health providers to conduct certain evaluations under the program and increases spending on medical research and data collection activities. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts approximately 100,000+ people enrolled in the WTCHP, including firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and civilians who were present during or responded to the 9/11 attacks and now suffer from related health conditions.
These individuals depend on the program for monitoring and treatment of certified medical conditions linked to the attacks. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The WTCHP is currently authorized to operate through fiscal year 2090.
CRS Official Summary
9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025This bill modifies the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), including by updating the formula for determining the program’s annual funding amounts and authorizing mental health providers to provide certain evaluations under the program.The WTCHP is a federal health care program (terminating in FY2090) providing responders and survivors with monitoring and treatment of certified medical conditions related to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Under current law, the program’s annual federal funding is determined based on the amount specifically appropriated in the previous fiscal year, adjusted for inflation.The bill establishes a new federal funding formula for FY2026-FY2090 that is generally based on annual changes in the number of enrollees. The bill also increases the amounts the program may spend annually on medical research and activities relating to data collection. The bill requires the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which administers the program, to submit a report to Congress on the program’s projected budgetary needs and expenditures.In addition, the bill authorizes licensed mental health providers to perform initial health evaluations with respect to mental health conditions for purposes of determining eligibility under the WTCHP. NIOSH must issue regulations specifying the categories of mental health providers that may perform these activities.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.