Gillibrand bill would broaden eligibility for 9/11-linked disability claims

WASHINGTON — New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is seeking to rekindle a previously Republican-led push to speed up benefit determinations of death and disability claims for law enforcement officers.

Gillibrand has teamed with Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz to introduce a bill setting a 270-day deadline for decisions on claims filed with the federal Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program.

Among other things, the legislation would expedite processing for officers already certified for benefits through the World Trade Center Health Program or the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Gillibrand’s co-sponsorship comes after Cruz and other congressional Republicans failed to pass earlier versions, dating from previous congressional sessions and as recently as early 2025.

The New York Democrat's joining with Cruz as lead sponsors not only adds a bipartisan layer to the bill, it comes after Gillibrand worked with Cruz to make changes.

A key difference between this version and previous ones Cruz introduced is that — beyond simply forcing an answer on the benefits within 270 days — this one would grant benefits for partial disabilities. Often, those claims are denied because applicants are not fully disabled.

"I’m proud to introduce this legislation, and I will keep working across the aisle to make sure first responders and their families receive the support they deserve for their sacrifices," Gillibrand said in a statement.

Cruz, in a statement, said the bill he's introduced with Gillibrand "ensures our brave law enforcement officers receive timely and fair support when they need it most."

A report from the Public Safety Officers' Benefits  Program last April found that of the 1,342 claims pending at the time, 66% had been pending for one year or more. Of 262 appeals of initial rulings, 60% had been pending for a year or more.

A more recent program report showed that, as of Jan. 30, there were 601 pending death claims, 62 of which were 9/11 related. There were also 601 pending disability claims, 80 of which were 9/11 related.

Administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, the program provides cash benefits to federal, state and local law enforcement officers; firefighters; employees of emergency management agencies and emergency medical services agencies killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.