Only about half of the 9/11 victims whose claims have been approved have actually been compensated by the Victims Compensation Fund and advocates now worry that Congress won't reauthorize the fund, which is set to expire in October of 2016. Ridgely Ochs
reports:
The latest statistics released Wednesday by the fund's special master, Sheila Birnbaum, show that more than $1.44 billion -- more than half of the $2.775 billion fund -- has been allocated for awards.
The VCF said that of the 14,618 eligibility claims that could be decided, 12,150 have been approved. So far, compensation -- a second part of the process -- has been decided for 6,285 victims, the vast majority of which were responders.
Helping 9/11 victims may seem like a no-brainer, but spending is never a no-brainer for Republicans, even when it involves things like compensating first responders or providing health services for our veterans. Anyone who was on Capitol Hill in 2010 will recall that GOP lawmakers
fought vigorously against the bill that originally created the fund but were finally shamed into passing it on the final day of the 111th Congress.
Naturally, the GOP's 2016 hopefuls who now hold office are following in those hallowed footsteps.
The “lack of urgency” from candidates, specifically Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), is worrying to Richard Alles.
As deputy chief of the New York City Fire Department and a board member of the group, Alles said he is “starting to get frustrated.”
More than two weeks ago, he penned letters to every presidential candidate, pressing them to answer the question: Will you support a permanent renewal of the health treatment program and compensation fund and sign the bill if elected president? None of the four sitting senators who are running for the Republican nomination responded.
“It’s a slap in the face to all first responders. Sept. 11 is days away. These same senators will be wrapping themselves in the flag, singing our praises, and saying what heroes we are."
Right on cue:
Apparently, he isn't too concerned about those who survived.