Albany - With the failure of closure in the U.S. Senate on the James Zadroga Health and Compensation bill, Denis Hughes, President of the 2.5 million member New York State AFL-CIO called upon President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to attach the Zadroga bill to the upcoming vote extending the Bush tax cuts and unemployment insurance benefits.

"It has been more than nine years since our country endured the devastating tragedy of September 11th. The first responders who willingly risked their lives continue to suffer, while facing an uncertain future. Remarkably, almost a decade has gone by without this country having paid its moral debt to our nation's heroes.

"In order to ensure that the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Bill is finally addressed, is to attach it to the upcoming vote on the extension of tax cuts and unemployment insurance benefits. We respectfully call upon Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid to attach the Zadroga Bill to the upcoming tax vote, so that we can finally begin to repay our debt to this country's heroes.

"The New York State AFL-CIO is grateful to the leadership and dedication of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in this ongoing effort. And we are thankful to Congresswoman Maloney, Congressman Nadler, Congressman King and the entire New York Congressional delegation for their commitment to this issue.

"The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act would provide comprehensive health care and compensation for those sick as a result of the attacks. They have suffered long enough. The time for action is now," said Hughes.