(1) On September 11, 2001, in New York City, 
firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical techni-
cians, police officers, laborers, survivors, and others 
risked their lives far and beyond what was expected 
of them. They took upon themselves a burden that 
weighed so heavily that they still carry the repercus-
sions almost three years later. 
(2) It is not only necessary but obligatory upon 
our Nation to address the health consequences from 
the environmental exposures these individuals experi-
enced after the World Trade Centers disaster, which 
are, as demonstrated by extensive research, directly 
associated with significant adverse effects on health. 
(3) The dust from the disaster produced bron-
chial hyperactivity, persistent cough, and increased 
risk of asthma, as well as plausible causes of ob-
served increase in the number of infants with lower 
birthweights. 
(4) Substantial research has in addition dem-
onstrated that these individuals have an increased 
future risk of mesothelioma, especially those exposed 
to asbestos. 
(5) According to the National Institutes of 
Health, the attacks have confirmed a ‘‘positive rela-
tionship between the intensity of their exposure to
airborne pollutants and the severity of their pul-
monary symptoms.’’. 
(6) In an article published September 5, 2003, 
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Reg-
istry stated that ‘‘The effects of 9/11 are still being 
felt today by all New Yorkers, and all Americans.’’. 
In that article, Dr. Frieden stated that ‘‘Hundreds 
of thousands of people from all walks of life were in 
the vicinity of the twin towers when they collapsed, 
and were exposed to a combination of smoke, dust, 
and debris.’’. 
(7) Research has proved that the smoke and de-
bris have been detrimental in that they have caused 
various health ailments such as respiratory prob-
lems, birth defects, and cancer. 
(8) Out of 10,116 firefighters, 332 have dis-
played persistent cough accompanied by other res-
piratory symptoms severe enough to require up to 
four weeks leave of absence. Among the firefighters 
without a cough, many were diagnosed with bron-
chial hyperactivity. 
(9) Of iron workers that were involved in clean-
ing and recovery, approximately 1/3 have a chronic 
cough, 24 percent have reported a new onset of
phlegm production, and more than 17 percent have 
complained of a new onset of wheeze. 
(10) One of the greater health risks has been 
exposure to asbestos, which was found in the rubble 
in concentrations as high as 20 percent. This mate-
rial may cause lung cancer and malignant mesothe-
lioma. 
(11) Researchers studied 187 pregnant women, 
and discovered that, for women within a half mile of 
ground zero who inhaled the soot, pulverized glass, 
and other toxins, the effects were detrimental 
enough to result in the delivery of infants who aver-
aged a half-pound lighter than infants of unexposed 
mothers, a condition known as smaller-for-gesta-
tional-age (‘‘SGA’’). 
(12) In the Journal of the American Medical 
Association, researchers of Mount Sinai Medical 
Center explained the pollutants as a toxic cocktail, 
with a potential for long-term adverse health effects. 
Other studies have associated the pollutants with a 
direct connection to heart disease and an array of 
chronic disorders. One example is the condition 
known as the World Trade Center cough; fire-
fighters and other rescue workers have complained 
of this persistent respiratory illness.
(13) According to Inter Press Service, 2.5 years 
after the attacks laborers are still suffering from se-
vere breathing problems, skin rashes, nausea, de-
pression, or anxiety. 
(14) Of emergency respondents, 80 percent 
have reported of having at least one respiratory 
symptom, such as sore throat, chest tightness, or 
cough and wheezing. One half complained of having 
problems one year later. 
(15) Dr. Rafael de la Hoz noted that, of about 
150 day workers examined at Mount Sinai Medical 
Center, about 75 percent are suffering from upper 
airway diseases, and some have reported aggravated 
asthma or bronchial disease, back and musculo-
skeletal pain, or psychological problems such as post 
traumatic stress syndrome. 
SEC. 2. SEPTEMBER 11 EMERGENCY PERSONNEL TRUST 
FUND. 
(a) ADDITIONAL
TAX
ON
HIGH
INCOME
TAX-
PAYERS.—Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
is amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(j) ADDITIONAL TAX
ON HIGH INCOME TAX-
PAYERS.—The amount determined under subsection (a), 
(b), (c), or (d), as the case may be, shall be increased by