S.739 - 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.739, the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. The bill focuses on enhancing flexibility for mental health condition certifications, clarifying enrollment calculations, and ensuring sufficient funding for the program through 2090. It also includes technical amendments and a requirement for a report to Congress assessing the program's budgetary needs.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely expand access to mental health services for 9/11 responders and survivors by allowing licensed mental health providers to conduct evaluations and make determinations. It will also refine the calculation of enrollment numbers by excluding deceased individuals, leading to more accurate funding projections. The increased funding and extended program duration aim to provide long-term healthcare support for those affected by the 9/11 attacks.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to mental health evaluations by allowing licensed mental health providers to conduct them.
- More accurate funding allocations by excluding deceased individuals from enrollment counts.
- Extended healthcare coverage for 9/11 responders and survivors through 2090.
- Enhanced program oversight through a required report to Congress on budgetary needs.
- Greater flexibility in the program's administration, allowing for better adaptation to evolving needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with expanding the scope of eligible healthcare providers.
- The formula for funding increases relies on enrollment numbers, which may not accurately reflect the actual healthcare needs of the population.
- The report to Congress, while beneficial for oversight, could reveal unforeseen budgetary challenges.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the requirement for the WTC Program Administrator to issue new regulations.
- The act does not address all potential health issues that may arise in the future, potentially leaving some responders and survivors without adequate coverage.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble) by providing healthcare services to those affected by the 9/11 attacks. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to public health under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as the health of citizens can impact interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).