New York lawmakers are calling for Congress to reauthorize federal legislation to compensate first responders who grew ill working at ground zero.
Mayor de Blasio and politicians from both parties, including Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, made their call Monday at the World Trade Center.
Thursday is the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
The James Zadroga bill's two programs provide medical treatment and compensation. They're set to expire in 2015 and 2016.
The lawmakers said a bill to reauthorize the programs will be introduced in the Senate and House this month.
Gillibrand said letting the programs expire would mean the government turned its back on heroes.
The programs, named for Detective James Zadroga, have paid out more than $1.1 billion to those impacted by the attacks.
