NEW YORK, NY July 31, 2008 —Mayor Michael Bloomberg testified before Congress today in support of a bill that would create a program to treat workers and residents with long-term health problems caused by the 9/11 attacks. He noted that caring for those injured should be a national responsibility.

BLOOMBERG: Passing this bill would at long last fully engage the federal government in resolving the health challenges created by the attack on our entire nation that took place on September 11th.

REPORTER: Bloomberg said that the city plans to spend about $100 million on Ground Zero-related health problems in the next three years.