New York area lawmakers rally behind longtime head of WTC Health Program

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of New York and New Jersey lawmakers on Thursday called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to protect and extend the job of the longtime head of the federal World Trade Center Health Program.

In a letter led by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), more than two dozen lawmakers urge Kennedy to name Dr. John Howard, the administrator of the 9/11 health program, to a new six-year term, ahead of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The request comes after a turbulent year for Howard and the program during President Donald Trump’s second term. Howard, who as director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) oversees the 9/11 program, was laid off last April as part of the Trump administration’s widespread federal government downsizing, but then reinstated a month later after public outcry and a pressure campaign led by Garbarino and other New York lawmakers.

"We believe that reappointing Dr. Howard before the upcoming anniversary would send a powerful message of continued support for 9/11 responders and survivors and help ensure a seamless transition into the [program’s] next phase," states the letter, which was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Long Island Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) and Laura Gillen (D- Rockville Centre).

Howard has served as head of NIOSH since 2002 and was tapped by then-President George W. Bush to lead the national health response for 9/11 first responders and survivors before the World Trade Center Program was created and signed into law in 2011.

Lawmakers said in the letter that Howard "has earned the trust and confidence of Congress, the 9/11 community, healthcare providers, researchers, and WTCHP staff," throughout the administrations of both parties.

The program provides medical screenings and treatments to more than 140,000 first responders, recovery workers and civilians who have fallen ill due to their exposure to toxic dust at the Sept. 11 attack sites.

The program has grappled with staffing shortages over the past year amid the federal layoffs and buyouts. The program is authorized to employ 120 workers, but is currently operating with 84 employees, a shortfall 9/11 victims advocates have said is leading to delays in getting illnesses authorized for treatment and new applicants into the program.

The Trump Administration has said it is working to fill 37 vacancies at the program, but Newsday reported on Thursday that only four positions have been advertised on the federal government’s job portal since the administration’s pledge in March.

New York lawmakers scored a victory for the program earlier this year, when Garbarino as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee negotiated a provision in a larger budget package that ensures the World Trade Center Health Program will be fully funded through 2040. Schumer and Gillibrand rallied for the provision’s passage in the Senate.

Garbarino and Gillibrand on Thursday, emphasized the need for stability at the program now that funding has been secured.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attacks, reappointing Dr. Howard will provide the continuity and stability the Program deserves," Garbarino said in a statement.

Gillibrand, in a statement said Howard "has dedicated his career to ensuring that 9/11 heroes get the specialized care they need to cope with the long-term health effects of toxic exposure." 

The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately return a request for comment.

By Laura Figueroa Hernandez

laura.figueroa@newsday.com@Laura_Figueroa

Laura Figueroa Hernandez is the White House correspondent and previously covered New York City politics and government. She joined Newsday in 2012 after covering state and local politics for The Miami Herald.