World Trade Center Health Program’s $3 Billion Left Off Omnibus

Congressional negotiators didn’t include a $3 billion fix to shore up the World Trade Center Health Program in a must-pass bill to fund the federal government, ensuring it won’t be addressed this year.

The massive $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations package to fund the government filed after midnight doesn’t include the $3.6 billion fix among the long list of items attached to the legislation (H.R. 2617). Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) wanted to ensure those exposed to toxins from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks maintain access to health care programs.

Schumer flanked by Gillibrand speaks during a news conference on Feb. 10 in Washington, DC.

(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The demise of ...