Collins statement on reauthorization of September 11th Victim Compensation Fund

"9/11 first responders, like all first responders, deserve to have their sacrifices recognized. This program will mitigate the damage these public servants and their families experience as a direct result of their sacrifice on behalf of others."

WASHINGTON — Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, made the following opening statement during today’s hearing on the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Below are the remarks as prepared. Ranking Member Collins: Radical, depraved Islamic terrorists designed the September 11th attacks to murder as many innocent Americans as possible. These attacks killed almost 3,000 people and left a smoldering pile of toxic debris in New York. In the wake of such depravity thousands of rescuers responded with nobility and courage. First responders scaled smoldering piles of debris, exhumed victims with dignity, and restored ground zero to its current place in the center of a loving, resilient community — a place that includes the National September 11th Memorial. It’s also fitting that Congress do more than memorialize — we must help care for these heroes. 9/11 first responders, like all first responders, deserve to have their sacrifices recognized. This program will mitigate the damage these public servants and their families experience as a direct result of their sacrifice on behalf of others. Legislation has been introduced to reauthorize the current September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. While the fiscal impact of this legislation isn’t clear at the moment, what is clear is our collective duty to see that our first responders are treated fairly, in accordance with what they’ve already given to a grateful nation. I look forward to hearing from all our witnesses here today.