New York’s senators yesterday laced into the feds for withholding aid for ailing and injured Sept. 11 first responders.
“It’s shocking that the Victim’s Compensation Fund hasn’t been paid out yet. We’ve worked too hard. I don’t care how complicated it is — it’s been two years since the bill was signed. It’s outrageous!” Sen. Chuck Schumer fumed in response to an article in yesterday’s Post (pictured).
Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand sent a letter to Sheila Birnbaum, special master of the fund, demanding the money be allocated by Christmas.
Birnbaum blamed the holdup on incomplete forms submitted by ailing first responders.
She said she hopes to begin making payouts in January.
Congress allocated $2.7 billion to the fund, which was to dole out $875 million in the first five years, beginning in 2011, and the rest in 2016.
So far, not a dime has been granted.
“On September 11, an urgent call went out, and New York City’s police officers responded quickly and decisively and did their job,” said PBA boss Pat Lynch.
“Why the fund can’t do the same is mind-boggling. People are sick and dying while they wait for help.”