Trump Signs Law to Secure WTC Health Program Funding

The new law guarantees full funding for the program that provides medical care for over 131,000 9/11 survivors and first responders.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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President Donald Trump has signed a law that guarantees full funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for the next 15 years. The program provides medical monitoring and treatment for over 131,000 Americans affected by the 9/11 attacks, with the cost of care increasing due to inflation and survivors developing more serious illnesses as they age. The law updates the program's funding formula through 2040 to ensure the funds keep up with rising medical costs and more people getting sick decades after 9/11.

Why it matters

The World Trade Center Health Program is a critical lifeline for thousands of 9/11 survivors and first responders who continue to suffer from illnesses related to the toxic exposure at Ground Zero. Securing long-term funding for the program ensures these individuals can access the medical care they need without worrying about potential cuts or disruptions to services.

The details

The new law updates the funding formula for the World Trade Center Health Program, which was created in 2011 to help people exposed to toxins during the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent cleanup. The program covers firefighters, police officers, residents, students, and workers who were in the disaster zones in downtown Manhattan. The cost of care has increased due to inflation and as survivors develop more serious illnesses over time. The law ensures the program's funds will keep up with rising medical costs and the growing number of people seeking treatment through 2040.

  • President Trump signed the law on February 3, 2026.
  • The World Trade Center Health Program was created in 2011.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the law to guarantee funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

A U.S. Senator from New York who explained that the cost of care for the World Trade Center Health Program has gone up due to inflation and as survivors develop more serious illnesses over time.

World Trade Center Health Program

A program created in 2011 to provide medical monitoring and treatment for over 131,000 Americans affected by the 9/11 attacks.

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What they’re saying

“The World Trade Center Health Program is more than just a healthcare program. It's a fulfillment of a debt owed to these heroes who gave their all for us.”

— U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (news10.com)

“Responders and survivors were promised care, and today we are finally delivering certainty that that care will always be there. This law fixes an outdated funding formula, eliminates the risk of cuts or disruptions, and ensures those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses can focus on their health, not bureaucracy.”

— Congressman Andrew Garbarino (news10.com)

“Families will no longer have to worry whether funding will be there for their loved ones to afford life-saving treatment.”

— Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (news10.com)

What’s next

The new funding law is expected to provide long-term stability and certainty for the World Trade Center Health Program, ensuring that 9/11 survivors and first responders can continue to access the medical care they need without interruption.

The takeaway

This new law represents an important bipartisan effort to uphold the government's commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of those impacted by the 9/11 attacks. It demonstrates the continued importance of providing comprehensive care and resources for 9/11 survivors, even decades later.