(NEW YORK) - Denis Hughes, president of the 2.5-million member New York State AFL-CIO, is publicly thanking U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her support for a comprehensive health bill to aid 9/11 first responders who are suffering from a variety of ailments directly attributed to toxins released into the air from the collapse of the World Trade Center.

"The New York State AFL-CIO extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her commitment and undying dedication to the cause of our 9/11 heroes.  During a recent meeting involving President Obama and the Senate Democratic Conference to discuss a wide range of outstanding issues, Senator Gillibrand displayed her support for a comprehensive 9/11 health bill, and got the President's commitment to work with Congress on a comprehensive bill," Hughes said.

During the Senate Democratic Conference, Senator Gillibrand asked the president the following question: "I want to ask you about an issue that's important to all New Yorkers and to many Americans across the country, and that is health care for the 9/11 first responders and the community members living near Ground Zero.  These Americans hailed from all fifty states and every Congressional district.  Now, as a result of exposures to toxins from the collapse of the World Trade Center, approximately twenty-thousand are sick, suffering serious health effects.  Many are disabled and some have already lost their lives.  I've introduced legislation that would provide permanent care and proper compensation to these Americans. Will you commit today to working with Congress to pass and sign a comprehensive 9/11 health bill that is fully paid for?"

President Obama responded that he was fully committed to working with Congress on the legislation.

"It is the support of Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and the members of New York's congressional delegation that has made this a prominent national issue.  The two-point-five-million members of the New York State AFL-CIO, and in particular, the thousands of sick, long-suffering first responders are grateful that our elected officials in New York State have the courage of their convictions in fighting to secure this vital legislation," Hughes said.

"With President Obama's support, I'm confident that we will finally be able to secure comprehensive, permanent funding to treat our heroes.  After eight long years of fighting to secure this legislation, we must do everything in our power to pay back, as best we can, those who sacrificed on behalf of others.  The time to payback our heroes is now," Hughes said.