Gillibrand, Schumer react to World Trade Center Health Program layoffs

New York Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer condemned on Sunday the Trump administration’s layoffs at a health program for 9/11 survivors, saying the move led to tumult that could jeopardize care for first responders who might have cancer or other ailments.

At a news conference in Schumer’s Manhattan office, the Democratic senators, along with 9/11 victims’ advocates and labor leaders for members getting treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program, demanded that organization staff who have been laid off be rehired, no more terminations going forward and better communication by the Trump administration over future personnel changes.

“We have said we’d never forget; these are heroes,” said Schumer, the Senate minority leader. “Stop messing around with our heroes.”

Last week, the federal administrator of the program, Dr. John Howard, was fired as the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Howard was eventually reinstated, according to Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino (R-Bayport), who last week told Newsday his firing was a mistake.

Earlier this year, 11 probationary staffers with the World Trade Center Health Program were terminated, before being rehired after bipartisan uproar, Newsday previously reported. And in March, a total of 16 staffers within the program were told they might lose their jobs, even though the Trump administration had promised the program would not be affected.

Moreover, staff with the NIOSH were laid off.

Garbarino’s spokesperson, Kristen Cianci, previously told Newsday it remained unclear whether terminated staff would be rehired. Garbarino, also in a previous statement, said: “It’s a work in progress, but I remain in touch with the White House and HHS as we work to resolve any remaining issues impacting the program.”

On Sunday, Gillibrand emphasized the potential harm of the staff cuts.

“And when you are firing the people who are running this program, who actually meet the needs of our 9/11 first responders and our family members, you’re destroying their lives,” Gillibrand said. “You’re destroying their ability to get the care they need, and you’re destroying the hope of their families that through treatment, they can survive these diseases.”

Nearly 137,000 9/11 survivors, including first responders, sickened in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks take part in the World Trade Center Health Program.

On Sunday, several labor leaders and 9/11 advocates said they’ve heard concern from members about getting care because of the job cuts. They contended that the short period from when program employees were let go and rehired could be damaging.

Sean Michael, a board member with the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, a labor union that represents more than 6,000 active and former fire officers with the FDNY, said delays in treatment can be devastating for “vulnerable people facing some of the most difficult times in their lives.”

“They are sick and dying as we speak,” he said. “Time is of the essence for … them.”

With Matthew Chayes and Laura Figueroa Hernandez