Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Statement in Response to Trump Administration’s Reversal on Reckless Staffing and Grant Funding Cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program

Queens, N.Y. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) joined 18 Democratic colleagues in signing a letter to Robert F. Kennedy, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to urge the immediate reversal of President Trump’s rash staffing terminations and funding cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). After increased pressure by advocates and bipartisan criticism of the abrupt, unnecessary changes, the Trump Administration backpedaled on their effort to end access to healthcare for our 9/11 heroes and survivors. 

Rep. Meeks issued the following statement on the funding cut reversal: 

“It is only right that the Trump Administration reverse cuts to the 9/11 first responder health program – it should not have happened in the first place. 

“Though over two decades have passed, 9/11 victims and first responders have been left grappling with health effects ever since, with 10,000 people enrolling in the program just last year. President Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless actions have once again put the livelihoods of everyday, hardworking Americans in jeopardy. While we have been able to maintain the integrity of the WTCHP program, the disgraceful budget cuts and mass firings in the NIH and CDC will undoubtedly endanger critical research and public health. 

“I joined my colleagues in a letter to Secretary Kennedy to fight for continued access to quality healthcare for survivors and first responders and put this Administration on notice that we will continue to exercise congressional oversight to protect the interests of all Americans.”   

In the letter the Members write, “In establishing the WTCHP, the United States government made a promise to take care of the 9/11 survivors and brave first responders who risked their lives for this nation. It is apparent that President Trump and Elon Musk have no intention to honor that promise. In December, Elon Musk single-handedly tanked a bipartisan deal to make the WTCHP soluble through at least 2040. Now, President Trump and Elon Musk are attempting to dismantle what’s left of the WTCHP through staff terminations and grant rescissions.”

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