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Dear Neighbor,
As a nation, we made a commitment to never forget the worst terrorist attack on American soil and the heroism of the first responders and survivors who rushed to help their fellow New Yorkers. On this September 11, we honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken and the thousands since due to related illness. We think about and pray for the families who have had an empty seat at their table and the courage of those who run toward danger. As someone who represents many first responders and their families, I will always ensure their sacrifice for our city and nation is never forgotten.
That promise means action, not words. I continue to stand with 9/11 families and first responders to demand justice for the terrorists who murdered our loved ones, writing to Secretary Pete Hegseth to help us advocate for a trial date to be set so families are not forced to endure more delays. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Our commitment also means caring for the heroes and survivors still suffering today. When bureaucrats almost reduced staffing and research for the World Trade Center Health Program, I pushed back to stop those cuts to ensure the program remains fully staffed. I will keep working to secure the resources this program needs so that responders and survivors get the care they deserve.
We have also made progress for families. I successfully fought to close gaps that left some 9/11 widows, widowers, and children shortchanged, and supported reforms to ensure the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund pays victims and 9/11 families what they are owed. This year, I'm supporting H.R.1410 — the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 which strengthens the World Trade Center Health Program by improving its funding formula and expanding access to mental health care. I’ve also joined initiatives to teach students the history of September 11th and designate September 11th as a national observed day of mourning. Together, these efforts honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the heroism of those who responded. I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to ensure 9/11 heroes and survivors receive their benefits without interruption and that the Zadroga Act remains fully funded beyond 2027. We will keep pressing until every commitment is met.
Today, I ask everyone to take a moment to remember the names, share their stories, and thank a first responder. We must honor the courage and resilience that brought our nation together after 9/11 and always remain committed to protecting our homeland with strength and vigilance. Above all, we must carry forward, promise to never forget, and treat each other with kindness and empathy as we did on September 12, 2001.
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