Archive of News (2025)
‘Gross incompetence’: 9/11 advocates warn HHS cuts undermine World Trade Center health program
The World Trade Center Health Program could be devastated by this week’s mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9/11 community advocates say.
9/11 health program cuts called ‘A death sentence’ by advocates
Advocates say the federal government is breaking a promise to those exposed to toxic dust after the attacks, and that lives will be lost without urgent intervention.
9/11 first responders say they’re furious about reported staffing cuts to WTC Health Program
Dr. John Howard, the program’s director, has been fired and nearly all of his staff has been let go. Firefighter Richard Rolle credits Dr. Howard for helping him to get approved for a breathing medication he couldn’t afford.
Outrage as Trump administration lays off staff at World Trade Center Health Program
Senators Kirstin Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer are blasting the cuts, saying they will impact health care for 9/11 survivors.
HHS layoffs include head of the World Trade Center Health Program
John Howard, administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, lost his job under the sweeping layoffs that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered across U.S. health agencies.
Legislation to extend benefits for 9/11 responders, survivors introduced
The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 would update the program’s “funding formula” to ensure it would be funded through its duration, which is set to expire in 2090.
‘A cruel April Fool’s joke’: HHS layoffs characterized by confusion, errors
The HHS’ reduction in force, which agency head Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered last week, began on Tuesday. It was a mess, according to many sources who worked across the large federal health department.
‘It Is Revolting’: Schumer Torches RFK Jr. After Firings At 9/11 World Trade Center Health Program
During remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke about the Trump Administration overseeing layoffs at the World Trade Center Health Program.
Schumer, Gillibrand Slam New Trump Cuts That Will Devastate World Trade Center Health Program
“This is the third time in four months that Trump has pulled the rug out from 9/11 survivors and their families in the World Trade Center Health Program. These instances are not ‘mistakes,’—but rather in purpose and it is outrageous and beyond the pale.”
‘Delay and deny care’ to 9/11 survivors. Trump HHS cuts World Trade Center Program staff
The cuts, advocates and New York officials said, will cripple the program’s ability to adequately monitor and provide care to survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.