HHS Secretary Restores Staffing at 9/11 Health Program Ahead of Capitol Hill Testimony

Move comes after bipartisan criticism of staffing shortages slowing care for 140,000 responders and survivors.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:40pm

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An extreme close-up, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of medical equipment and supplies, conceptually illustrating the vital healthcare services provided to 9/11 responders and survivors.An X-ray view of the medical equipment and supplies used to treat 9/11 responders and survivors, highlighting the critical importance of the World Trade Center Health Program.Washington Today

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has approved the hiring of 37 long-vacant positions at the World Trade Center Health Program, raising staffing from 83 to the federally authorized level of 120 employees. This move comes ahead of Kennedy's testimony before the Senate Finance Committee, where he is expected to face questions about the program's operations and decisions.

Why it matters

The World Trade Center Health Program provides long-term medical monitoring and treatment to 9/11 responders and survivors, many of whom have been diagnosed with cancer, respiratory disease, and other conditions tied to exposure to toxins. Staffing shortages have led to slower approval of survivors into the program, delays in managing contractors, and longer wait times for care, raising bipartisan criticism.

The details

The program was created as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to serve the 140,000 responders and survivors affected by the attacks. For more than a year, it has operated far below capacity with about 83 staff members, following a period of upheaval that included firings, rehires, and shifting leadership, even as the participant population grew by nearly 30,000 new enrollees.

  • On Wednesday, Secretary Kennedy approved the hiring of 37 long-vacant positions.
  • Kennedy is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Health and Human Services Secretary who has faced bipartisan criticism over staffing shortages at the World Trade Center Health Program.

Benjamin Chevat

The executive director of Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act, a program advocacy group.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino

A Republican Congressman from New York who welcomed the news of increased staffing, saying it will "directly support the responders and survivors who rely on this care every day."

Rep. Dan Goldman

A Democratic Congressman from New York who criticized the delays in addressing the staffing shortages, calling them "unacceptable" and undermining the program's ability to provide timely and quality care.

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What they’re saying

“This is progress. The approval for the additional staff would 'directly support the responders and survivors who rely on this care every day,' and that 'more staff means better access to care, shorter wait times, and stronger support for those still living with the health impacts' of the attacks.”

— Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director, Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act

“I am encouraged that, after repeated demands from me and from other members of Congress, Secretary Kennedy is finally increasing staffing at the World Trade Center Health Program so that our brave survivors and first responders can receive the quality health care they deserve.”

— Rep. Dan Goldman, Congressman, New York

What’s next

Lawmakers are still likely to ask Secretary Kennedy questions about the World Trade Center Health Program during Thursday's Senate Finance Committee hearing, including concerns over research funding and expanding coverage for additional conditions.

The takeaway

The restoration of staffing at the World Trade Center Health Program is a step in the right direction, but significant challenges remain in ensuring the program can effectively serve the 140,000 responders and survivors affected by the 9/11 attacks. Ongoing communication and oversight from Congress will be crucial to addressing these issues.