News

Senate Fails to Advance AGC-Supported Measure to Protect 9/11 Contractors

Today, the Senate failed to move forward on the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.   This bill would provide health benefits for 9/11 workers and would limit the liability of the contractors that worked at the site of the terrorist attack in New York City.  These contractors responded in the immediate aftermath of the collapse of the Twin Towers and continued working for over a month without contracts while at the direction of federal, state and city officials.  These contractors continue to face an enormous amount of liability from lawsuits from those who developed health problems in the aftermath of the attacks.  The House passed the legislation at the end of September 2010.  Today’s Senate vote is partially attributed to Republican Caucus’ pledge to filibuster any legislation not addressing the much-needed work on tax extensions.  There were also concerns regarding the cost of the bill.  For more information, contact Kelly Knott at (202) 547-4685 or knottk@agc.org.