Speaker urges release of 9/11-era files and renewed funding for World Trade Center health registry

During a Q&A, the Speaker said files related to the post-9/11 response should be released so the city can learn from the past and better protect public health.

"Those files do need to be released," the Speaker said, recounting that thousands of people, including first responders and residents, have died of cancer tied to post-9/11 exposures and that his mother was among those who died.

He described past failures early after the attacks — a lack of protective equipment and inadequate warnings on air quality — and said sunlight is "the best disinfectant." The Speaker said he has long advocated for a fully funded World Trade Center health registry and that earlier efforts, including a press conference with Council Member Linda Lee, sought federal support and registry funding.

The Speaker urged the city and federal government to ensure the health registry is properly funded but did not provide specific funding numbers or a timeline for securing money. He said he would advocate with federal partners for continued support and noted that his work on the issue dates back to his time as chair of Community Board 1.

Next steps: The Speaker said he will continue to press for full funding and to advocate at congressional hearings, but the transcript records no specific commitments of city funding or a timetable for action.