On Sunday, New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand called out Robert Kennedy Jr. for his “cruel” efforts to dismantle the World Trade Center Health Program. This week, sixteen more doctors and staff who worked for the program were abruptly fired on Friday. Schumer said that the firings of WTCHP administrative officials, doctors, and nurses exposed the Trump administration’s intent to bring an end to the program, which continues to provide medical care for victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Senators Call RFK Jr.’s Actions Cruel
New York Dem Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand on Sunday blasted what they called a “cruel” effort by President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to dismantle the World Trade Center Health Program.
Schumer Talks To Fired Staffers
Schumer shared that he had spoken to two WTCHP staffers, one of whom was a doctor who was let go in the most recent firings. “They did so much to help those who rushed to the Towers, and on Friday night, when they got home, they were told they were fired,” Schumer said.
WTCHP was created back in 2005. The program is now struggling due to staff cuts, which have led to delayed cancer treatments for victims of the attack, Schumer says. “People who are in the middle of being treated for serious cancers are not getting the treatment anymore,” he told reporters.
Individual Part Of Program Speaks Out
One person who belongs to the program along with her three children, Mariama James, says she lost both of her parents to cancer caused by the 9/11 attacks. “We are being lied to constantly,” she said about Trump’s and RFK Jr.’s response to the program.
“My 23-year-old has worn a heart monitor for the past two weeks. I don’t have time for people to lie to me anymore,” James added. James then added that she, as well as 800 other survivors, could not get certified for the program in April due to the mounting issues.
Gillibrand Shares Outrage
Gillibrand also shared her outrage about the issue, saying that the program was created based on scientific facts that proved cancer and lung conditions were linked to the terrorist attack. “This is not a political issue. It’s about keeping people alive,” she said.
Schumer and Gillibrand have said that they would not vote for any federal budget that did not fully fund the program. The duo also stated that they fully intend to grill RFK Jr. about his actions and future plans for the much-needed program.
Schumer Calls Out Republicans
Schumer also accused New York House Republicans of willfully being “played and lied to” by promises made by RFK Jr. and others that the funding for the program would be restored. He then demanded that the lawmakers use their power in the upcoming budget negotiations to force Trump’s administration to reverse the course they are currently on. “They’ve got to up the ante,” he said. “Do not vote for a budget that doesn’t restore this program.”
