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9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025

3/26/2025, 11:03 AM

Summary of Bill S 739

Bill 119 s 739, also known as the World Trade Center Health Program Improvement Act, aims to make changes to title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act in order to provide more flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. This program was established to provide medical monitoring and treatment for individuals who were affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The bill seeks to improve the program by allowing for greater flexibility in how funds are allocated and used. This includes allowing funds to be used for outreach and education efforts to ensure that individuals who may be eligible for the program are aware of its benefits. Additionally, the bill aims to increase funding for the program to ensure that it can continue to provide necessary services to those who were impacted by the attacks.

Overall, the World Trade Center Health Program Improvement Act is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the World Trade Center Health Program and ensure that it can continue to support individuals who were affected by the events of September 11th.

Congressional Summary of S 739

9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025

This bill modifies the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), including by updating the formula for determining the program’s annual funding amounts and authorizing mental health providers to provide certain evaluations under the program.

The WTCHP is a federal health care program (terminating in FY2090) providing responders and survivors with monitoring and treatment of certified medical conditions related to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Under current law, the program’s annual federal funding is determined based on the amount specifically appropriated in the previous fiscal year, adjusted for inflation.

The bill establishes a new federal funding formula for FY2026-FY2090 that is generally based on annual changes in the number of enrollees. The bill also increases the amounts the program may spend annually on medical research and activities relating to data collection. The bill requires the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which administers the program, to submit a report to Congress on the program’s projected budgetary needs and expenditures.

In addition, the bill authorizes licensed mental health providers to perform initial health evaluations with respect to mental health conditions for purposes of determining eligibility under the WTCHP. NIOSH must issue regulations specifying the categories of mental health providers that may perform these activities.

Current Status of Bill S 739

Bill S 739 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 26, 2025. Bill S 739 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 26, 2025.  Bill S 739's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of February 26, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 739

Total Number of Sponsors
4
Democrat Sponsors
4
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
4
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 739

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 739

A bill to amend title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.
A bill to amend title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.

Comments

Lorelei Best profile image

Lorelei Best

467

8 months ago

This bill is so sad, but it's good for us. I hope it helps all the people who need it.