For Immediate Release: July 3, 2008
Contact: Joe Soldevere, (646) 831-1649

Bush Admin. Sacks 9/11 Health Czar

Rep. Maloney: Dr. Howard Fired Just For Doing His Job

New York, NY – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement in response to reports that Dr. John Howard will not be reappointed as Director of the National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health, the agency responsible for overseeing federally-funded health care for 9/11 first responders and others exposed to Ground Zero toxins:

“It appears that the Bush Administration fired Dr. Howard just for doing his job caring for Americans who are suffering as a result of 9/11.  It’s outrageous that the administration would treat the heroes of 9/11 so poorly on the day before our nation celebrates its independence.”

Background

In February 2006, Reps. Maloney and Vito Fossella (R-NY) successfully urged the Bush Administration to appoint Dr. Howard to serve as the federal government's coordinator to oversee the response to Ground Zero health impacts (Click here for a copy of HHS' letter to Rep. Maloney announcing Dr. Howard's appointment).

Joe Soldevere
Press Secretary
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14)
Office:  (212) 860-0606