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The bill in question is H.R. 1327, titled Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act of 2019.  It was introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) on February 25, 2019 and passed the House of Representatives on July 12, 2019, sending it to the Senate for further consideration.

In this legislation, the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) would be funded for 70 years, through the year 2090. Furthermore, this legislation would allow the the review of VCF policies and procedures to slide from annually out to every five years.

First, with respect to the VCF itself, let me be clear: I strongly believe this fund is necessary to support those who suffered so much at the hands of our enemies. The heinous and cowardly attacks committed on September 11, 2001 is one of our nation’s greatest tragedies. Although nothing will restore that loss, it is our collective responsibility to care for the victims and families affected.  That was the purpose and intent of the original legislation back in 2001 that established the Victim Compensation Fund – it was designed to help those who were harmed or killed as a result of the terrorist attacks, as well as first responders and those who assisted with the cleanup efforts.

This was also the intent when Congress reauthorized the VCF in 2011, and again in 2016.  With each iteration, lawmakers were able to fine-tune the program so that (A) it could adapt to the evolving needs of the victims, and (B) ensure those funds are being effectively used for their benefit.  That is precisely why frequent reauthorizations of any program are critical, not just from the standpoint of fiscal responsibility, but more so for the program’s beneficiaries.

It is my sincere wish that Congress would have continued this tradition with the VCF. However, instead of another five- or ten-year authorization period, well-meaning but misguided lawmakers proposed a seventy (70) year reauthorization for the VCF.  This means it will never be reviewed in Congress again during the lifetimes of those the program was designed to help.  Clearly the intent was to demonstrate the compassion we all have for these victims.  However, to authorize any program with a blank check for this length of time almost certainly guarantees Congress will lose sight of true needs of the VCF and its beneficiaries, and represents a total disregard for fiscal responsibility.

Second, with respect to the review of VCF policies or procedures, by delaying the review process from annually out to every five years, this means that no one will be able to question or change the way the VCF is managed or run for at least five years.  As we see in so many government programs, this lack of oversight opens the door to widespread fraud and abuse, which is not in the interest of the survivors, much less the American taxpayer.

While I will always remain committed to our 911 victims, I am disappointed that this legislation does not truly act in their best interest.  As so often happens in politics, media overexposure and special interests’ groups only add more pressure until almost all opposition, however reasonable, has been subdued.

I knew I would have to cast a vote that many would find disagreeable, even though most would not take the time to understand the rationale behind my position, as you as have.  However, as your Representative, I do not allow myself the luxury of taking comfortable votes. If I were to do so, I would deny you not only the representation you are entitled to, but also the judgment you deserve. I continue to believe that the VCF is necessary, and I simply want to ensure that the program is conducted responsibly and efficiently to the benefit of the people who need it.