9/11 recovery workers: Congress must renew health programs for those exposed to toxic dust

Detective James Zadroga's father Joe Zadroga, left, speaks during a news conference, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in New York. Lawmakers called on Congress to prevent expiration of the James Zadroga Sept. 11 Health and Compensation Act(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

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An activist holds a sign in support of 9/11 responders during a news conference, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in New York. Lawmakers called on Congress to prevent expiration of the James Zadroga Sept. 11 Health and Compensation Act. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

Detective James Zadroga's father Joe Zadroga, right, listens as Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney speaks during a news conference, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in New York. Lawmakers called on Congress to prevent expiration of the James Zadroga Sept. 11 Health and Compensation Act. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (The Associated Press)

Dozens of 9/11 recovery workers are demanding that Congress renew programs offering money and heath care to people exposed to toxic dust after the terror attacks.

The former ground zero workers and survivors were joined at the World Trade Center site on Thursday by members of New York's congressional delegation.

Congress authorized billions of dollars in payments and health services for people with illnesses potentially linked to dust released when the twin towers collapsed after they were struck by hijacked planes in 2001.

But those programs are set to expire next year.

Advocates for the sick say the health programs are essential for people with complicated, often incurable illnesses.

Congress initially limited the programs because of cost concerns.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/9-11-recovery-workers-congress-must-renew-health-programs-for-those-exposed-to-toxic-dust