Funding for 9/11 well being analysis was restored by the federal authorities on Friday after bipartisan outrage erupted over Elon Musk’s deep cuts to the fund that gives well being care to Floor Zero first responders and survivors.
Round 20% of the 9/11 well being program’s workforce may also be rehired after they had been abruptly fired earlier within the week, in accordance with a spokesperson for the Facilities for Illness Management.
“Staff from the World Trade Center Health Program will return to work,” the CDC spokesperson mentioned.
The estimated $250,000 reduce in funding to this system carried out by the Hearth Division of New York was rapidly rescinded amid howls of opposition by Democrats and Republicans alike.
The FDNY mentioned the deliberate cuts to the analysis, which compares sickness charges of New York’s Bravest to different huge metropolis hearth departments, would have “hinder(ed) our ability to provide WTC members with treatment coverage for new conditions.”
One other analysis program associated to cancers doubtlessly brought on by 9/11 publicity was additionally reinstated.
President Trump and Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity then agreed to reverse the 20% reduce in employees, most of whom had been probationary workers.
“President Trump understands the importance of supporting first responders, 9/11 survivors and Ground Zero rescue workers,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis tweeted late Friday afternoon.
The choice calmed fears that the essential program can be crippled by dangerous cuts.
“We appreciate the swift action by President Trump when he became aware of the impact that these cuts by DOGE would have had on health care of injured and ill 9/11 responders and survivors,” mentioned Benjamin Chevat, an advocate for 9/11 victims. “We hope that we can also count on the president’s support in the effort to fix the long-term budget problems facing the program.”
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk delivers remarks as he be part of U.S. President Donald Trump within the Oval Workplace on the White Home on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Picture by Andrew Harnik/Getty Photos)
Sen. Chuck Schumer applauded the reinstatement of funding and the reversal of the job cuts, however derided your complete incident for instance of the “Trump-DOGE shoot first, ask questions later approach.”
Advocates and lawmakers on either side of the aisle say the cuts would have had a dramatically damaging affect on this system’s skill to serve members, together with huge delays in getting protection and care.
The well being fund offers care to round 137,000 individuals who have been sickened from publicity to toxins throughout and after the fear assaults on the World Commerce Middle, in addition to the hijacked airplane crashes in Shanksville, Pa. and on the Pentagon.
President Donald Trump speaks as he’s joined by Elon Musk, and his son X Æ A-Xii, within the Oval Workplace on the White Home, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (Picture/Alex Brandon)
The slashes to this system had been deliberate as a part of an ongoing effort to remove 1000’s of jobs and full authorities businesses, which Trump and Musk say will save taxpayers billions of {dollars}.
However lawmakers on either side of the aisle have been pushing again when the cuts hit widespread applications of their districts.
Initially Printed: February 21, 2025 at 6:17 PM EST
