Washington, D.C. (July 29, 2019) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today:

LIUNA commends Congress and President Trump for making the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) permanent. Thousands of emergency workers heroically joined in the response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the attacks of September 11, 2001. These workers, including LIUNA members, were exposed to a toxic mix of dust and fumes from the collapsed buildings and fires and many now suffer from serious respiratory disease and other health problems.

 

LIUNA has been a strong advocate for permanent funding of the VCF. The sacrifices of the 9/11 emergency responders and the many LIUNA brothers and sisters who suffer from 9/11 illnesses will not be forgotten and they will be cared for with this extension of funding.

 

LIUNA commends lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate for their overwhelming and bipartisan support of the legislation.

 

These victims are heroes and deserve our nation’s support. With the President’s signature authorizing the victim’s compensation fund well into the future, they now have that support.

 

 

###

The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.