Overview

• The World Trade Center Health Program has resumed processing enrollments, certifications, and treatment plans following a directive from HHS on May 1, 2025.
• A prior freeze on certifications delayed critical treatments for 9/11 responders, including life-saving chemotherapy for three cancer patients.
• Staffing shortages remain after two rounds of layoffs earlier this year, leaving the program struggling to meet growing demand from over 150,000 enrollees.
• Dr. John Howard has reportedly been reinstated as program director, but questions about his formal authority to oversee operations linger.
• A bipartisan bill to address the program’s funding shortfall remains stalled in Congress, threatening its long-term stability.