A bill to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse public employee retirement systems for accidental disability retirements and accidental deaths resulting from the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 14, 2026
Bottom line
This bill provides federal financial relief to public employee retirement systems in New York that have incurred significant long-term costs due to 9/11-related health issues and fatalities among first responders and recovery workers.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse eligible public employee retirement systems for costs associated with accidental disability retirements and accidental deaths directly resulting from the rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. It authorizes an appropriation of $5,913,400,000 for fiscal year 2027 to carry out this reimbursement.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides essential and overdue financial relief to public employee retirement systems that have borne substantial and unforeseen costs for accidental disability retirements and deaths directly linked to the unique circumstances of the 9/11 attacks. They contend it honors the immense sacrifices of first responders and recovery workers by ensuring their retirement systems are not unduly strained by these catastrophic events, thereby safeguarding the financial stability of these systems for all members.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent to support 9/11 responders is laudable, the bill represents a significant federal expenditure that could set a precedent for federal assumption of state and local retirement system liabilities for other catastrophic events. They might also question the timing, over two decades after the event, and suggest that such costs should primarily remain with the state and local entities that employ the public workers, or that existing federal programs are sufficient.
The bill is extremely short and uses clear, direct language, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 1(a)
Reimbursement for 9/11-Related Accidental Disability and Death Costs
This provision requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to pay back public employee retirement systems for the expenses they incurred due to accidental disability retirements and accidental deaths directly resulting from the rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. It further specifies that these reimbursed funds can only be used by the retirement systems themselves and not by any other entity.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this reimbursement is a moral imperative and a necessary financial backstop for retirement systems that have faced unforeseen and substantial liabilities due to the unique circumstances of the 9/11 attacks. It ensures the long-term solvency of these systems, protecting the benefits of all public employees, not just those directly affected by 9/11.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that while the sacrifices of 9/11 responders are undeniable, federalizing these specific retirement costs sets a problematic precedent for other localized disasters. They may argue that states and municipalities have primary responsibility for their employee retirement systems and that this federal intervention could disincentivize local fiscal responsibility.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the moral obligation to support 9/11 responders and their families with concerns about federal fiscal responsibility and the division of financial burdens between federal, state, and local governments. It addresses a specific historical tragedy but raises questions about the scope of federal responsibility for local public employee benefits.
Section 1(b)
Funding Authorization for Reimbursement
This subsection authorizes the appropriation of $5,913,400,000 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fiscal year 2027. These funds are specifically designated to cover the costs associated with reimbursing eligible public employee retirement systems as outlined in the bill's primary reimbursement mandate.
Section 1(c)
Definition of Eligible Public Employee Retirement System
This subsection defines an "eligible public employee retirement system" as any public employee retirement system that includes at least one member who participated in the rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. This definition clarifies the specific criteria for which retirement systems qualify to receive reimbursement under the bill.