Senator Mike Lee,
Wile I respect your fiscal conservatism and concern for how the Victim Compensation Fund will be funded, you must acknowledge that 9/11 was the most unique and devastating event that has occurred on American soil. This was an act of war perpetrated by Islamic terrorists.
Employees, students, residents and first responders were exposed to hazardous toxins containing chemicals, all forms of pulverized building materials and pulverized human remains. Fires emanating toxic smoke continued burning beneath the WTC rubble through mid- December.
Thousands of first responders and construction workers worked 24/7: searching for human remains; removing debris; providing security; and conducting recovery operations within all heavily-damaged buildings and within the concourses beneath the WTC complex.
I personally worked over 1,000 hours within the Ground Zero area. I have been diagnosed with asthma, reactive airway disease and melanoma. I am presently undergoing extensive medical exams regarding another potential cancer.
Our nation provides $50 Billion annually in foreign aid to many countries. How stringent is Congress in accounting for every dollar given?
Realistically, many exposed will have made claims and died well before 2089. Please give us peace of mind now. Support and vote for S 546 as is.
Thomas DePrisco, Pearl River, N.Y.
Retired captain, New York Police Department and deputy commissioner of the New York City Office of Emergency Management.
