Days only after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), reductions were made in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, providing medical treatment to 9/11 responders and survivors. The reductions in jobs—started by the Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—have outraged elected representatives and workers.

Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are now calling on Kennedy to reverse what they describe as "rash and counterproductive terminations." They say that patients with 9/11-related illnesses—such as respiratory conditions, cancer, and other diseases—need to keep receiving critical care.

How many jobs were cut, and what's the impact?

Reports state that an estimated 20% of employees at the WTC Health Program were terminated through buyouts and layoffs, impacting probationary staff. The program under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already been operating under strain from earlier budget slashing by Congress.

Former employees and union officials say these layoffs will have a serious effect on patient care. Anthony Gardner, a just-fired WTC program employee, was seriously concerned. "These cuts are going to impact member care directly. For some of these members, these delays are going to be life and death," he said.

Lawmakers and unions urge immediate action

U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, whose New York's Hudson Valley congressional district is where many 9/11 responders live, is trying to undo the decision. "I am aware of the serious concerns pertaining to the WTC Health Program and have been working through the weekend with the White House to reverse the decision and ensure there are no impacts on providing care to our brave 9/11 heroes," Lawler said. "There is nothing more important to me than fighting for our first responders, and I won’t stop until this is rectified."

The WTC Health Program was created under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2011. It has since remained a crucial component in treating health complications due to exposure to toxic debris from the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Andrew Ansbro, the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York president, also demanded quick action, referencing earlier comments by Musk and the Trump administration. "This is a mistake that needs to be corrected, and corrected quickly," he said. "No one has ever accused the World Trade Center Health Program of being run inefficiently, and no one has ever questioned the need for America to fund the health care program that helps first responders, rescue workers, and civilians."

With mounting pressure from legislators and advocacy groups, attention has now turned to the Biden administration and Kennedy's reaction to these contentious cuts. Will the government rise to save the healthcare of America's 9/11 heroes?

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