NEW YORK, NY April 22, 2009 —Local Congressional delegates will hold committee hearings today to expand federal funding for World Trade Center medical screening and treatment. WNYC’s Fred Mogul has more.

REPORTER: They are seeking more than $10 billion over 10 years. Similar efforts in previous years stalled, but bill sponsors are hopeful that with a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in the Senate, this time will be different.

Speaking today will be Democratic Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Frank Pallone Jr., and Peter King, who’s a Republican. They’ll also hear from physicians from Mt. Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals, as well as a representative from Mayor Bloomberg’s office.

In the current year, Congress is expected to spend $182 million for medical screenings and treatment for rescue and cleanup workers, plus area residents, office workers and students. For WNYC, I’m Fred Mogul.