Sep 9, 2007 10:41 am US/Eastern
Rally At Ground Zero For Ailing First Responders
Demonstrators Want Bill To Treat 9/11 Workers
CBS 2's John Metaxas contributed to this report.
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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First responders are still suffering from health problems after the September 11 Islamic terror attacks.
Thousands of 9/11 workers rallied at Ground Zero Saturday to support federal legislation aimed at providing medical coverage to first responders and others afflicted by toxic dust and debris after the World Trade Center attack.
The cleanup at Ground Zero lasted about 9 months but for many post 9/11 workers who breathed in the toxic brew of pollutants, the medical bills could last a lifetime.
One of the first responders told CBS 2HD he's concerned about his health, and worried that he may not learn about the potential health issues until they actually affect him.
At the rally timed to coincide with the upcoming sixth anniversary of the attacks, politicians acknowledged the country owes these workers more than it has given them at the rally, which was attended by several lawmakers, and labor leaders, but mostly regular New Yorkers.
"We will not forget," said U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton. "We're going to rescue the rescuers."
Democrats Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, along with Republican Vito Fossella will introduce legislation on Tuesday that would extend medical coverage to first responders, rescue workers, construction workers and volunteers who selflessly answered their call of duty here.
"People working under these conditions should be protected," said one man who attended the rally. "They were working at the time to help Americans, America should be helping them."
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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