Long Island, NY - September 15, 2017 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) announced that the bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Act (H.R. 931), legislation that he cosponsors and helped introduced, passed the House of Representatives on September 12, 2017.
The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act would initiate the development of a registry through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in firefighters. A 2015 study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters in the U.S. have a greater number of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths. H.R. 931 would create a database that allows for research of any correlations, with the goal of implementing new safety procedures to keep firefighters safe.
Congressman Zeldin said, “In Congress, one of my highest priorities is to support our police, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders, which is why I helped introduce and secure House passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act. This important piece of legislation, which has strong bipartisan support with over 185 cosponsors, would establish a federal system to monitor and collect data regarding the connection between cancer and firefighting. Firefighters are exposed to situations where there is smoke inhalation and other harmful substances. Collecting data and researching this growing trend is imperative to develop new protocols and safeguards to best protect our firefighters. These brave men and women put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe and we must honor and support them for their acts of selfless courage and community leadership. Supporting these fellow Americans must always be a top priority. I will continue working in Congress to protect them, just as they support us each and every day.”
Jay Egan, President of the Suffolk County Fire District Officers Association, said, “The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support, will provide the resources necessary to further study the possible link between cancer and firefighting. Through research, we can best prepare firefighters to keep them safe and healthy. I thank Congressman Zeldin for cosponsoring and supporting this important bill.”