Overview
- House appropriators released a bipartisan Homeland Security funding draft that would close a projected $3 billion gap and set World Trade Center Health Program financing through 2040.
- The plan reflects a revised funding formula intended to prevent cuts as more responders and survivors require treatment for 9/11-related illnesses.
- New York lawmakers from both parties, led by Rep. Andrew Garbarino and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, helped secure the provision, with votes expected later this week.
- The program currently serves roughly 135,000 to 137,000 enrollees, according to recent reports from Newsday and amNewYork.
- Advocates report understaffing due to hiring limits and urge HHS to lift constraints and act on pending coverage decisions, while HHS says enrollment remains open, a communications pause ended in February 2025, and reduction-in-force notices were rescinded.