The Senate will soon vote on refunding the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, according to first responders who met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

On June 25, Senator McConnell heard from several first responders who participated in 9/11 relief efforts, including advocate John Feal. Feal, the founder of the Feal Good Foundation, told reporters that he is pleased with the result of their discussion.

“Mitch McConnell works for us. And today, Mitch McConnell promised to work for us,” Feal said, according to CBS News.

The group presented McConnell with the badge of Luis Alvarez, a New York police detective and September 11 first responder. Feal says that this emotional gift aims to keep McConnell honest and accountable until the vote.

“He’s got his badge now, so if he strays from his commitment, we’ll go back into attack mode,” Feal said, according to CBS News. “But for now we’re going to put down our swords and pick up our rakes and be with our friends who are sick and dying.”

Advocates Testify Before Congress

McConnell’s meeting with Feal and other first responders is not the only push for funding seen recently. In early June, Congress heard moving testimonies from both Alvarez and celebrity advocate Jon Stewart.

Stewart gave an emotional speech to Congress, criticizing the lawmakers on their lack of compassion for 9/11 first responders. The TV personality told lawmakers that they should be “ashamed” of themselves for allowing politics to interfere with what they should be doing – taking care of the brave 9/11 first responders who risked their own lives to save people and help rebuild after the terrorist attacks.

“I can’t help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is … a filled room of 9/11 first responders and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress,” Stewart said. “Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak to no one … shameful.”

Alvarez, who spoke to Congress despite his rapidly progressing illness, called on the present lawmakers to reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund so that first responders such as himself can receive treatment for cancer and other illnesses.

“Less than 24 hours from now, I will be serving my 69th round of chemotherapy,” Alvarez said while addressing Congress. “I should not be here with you, but you made me come. You made me come because I will not stand by and watch as my friends with cancer from 9/11, like me, are valued less than anyone else.”

Unfortunately, Alvarez died before he could receive his 69th round of chemotherapy. After his medical team found that his liver was failing, the former NYPD detective was transferred to a hospice center. He passed away on June 29.

Congress Responds

The efforts of Feal, Alvarez, Stewart, and countless other first responders and advocates have not gone unnoticed. More lawmakers are paying attention to the issue and a bill to reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund through 2090 will be considered by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

If the bill is passed, first responders will be able to receive compensation for any illness or injury sustained as a result of the terrorist attacks. The attacks released countless harmful chemicals into the air, including aluminum, asbestos, glass, and burned get fuel. Many of these toxins can have serious health effects including cancer, but have a long latency period. This means that some first responders are only now falling ill, when the compensation fund designed to help them is rapidly running out of money. Reauthorizing the fund for decades to come would ensure that all first responders are able to get the treatment they need and that surviving family members are compensated for their losses.