Pen
Photo credit: Jin S. Lee
Accession Number: C.2019.175.2
Dimensions: 5.25 in X 0.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 13.335 cm X 1.27 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 13.335 cm X 1.27 cm
Source: John Feal
Credit Line: Gift of John Feal
Keywords
Health Effects
Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
Health Effects
Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act.
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)
Description
Ballpoint pen used by Speaker of the House Nancy Peolsi to sign the "Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act" in July 2019. The pen is black with gold-colored detailing and a removable cap. Nancy Pelosi's signature is printed in gold-colored text on the pen's exterior. The tip of the cap includes the Seal of the Speaker and printed text: "Seal of the Speaker | House of Representatives." The pen is enclosed in a coordinating box.
Ballpoint pen used by Speaker of the House Nancy Peolsi to sign the "Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act" in July 2019. The pen is black with gold-colored detailing and a removable cap. Nancy Pelosi's signature is printed in gold-colored text on the pen's exterior. The tip of the cap includes the Seal of the Speaker and printed text: "Seal of the Speaker | House of Representatives." The pen is enclosed in a coordinating box.
Historical Notes
John Feal, a demolition worker injured at Ground Zero and the founder of the FealGood Foundation, received this pen from Nancy Pelosi. A relentless advocate, Feal made no fewer than 286 trips to Washington, DC to lobby on behalf of thousands of rescue, recovery, and relief workers sickened and disabled by toxins to which they were exposed at the former World Trade Center site.
The reauthorized Victims Compensation Fund was passed by the U.S. Senate on July 23, 2019, and signed into law by President Trump on July 29, with Feal and many of his fellow activists present for the capstone moment.
John Feal, a demolition worker injured at Ground Zero and the founder of the FealGood Foundation, received this pen from Nancy Pelosi. A relentless advocate, Feal made no fewer than 286 trips to Washington, DC to lobby on behalf of thousands of rescue, recovery, and relief workers sickened and disabled by toxins to which they were exposed at the former World Trade Center site.
The reauthorized Victims Compensation Fund was passed by the U.S. Senate on July 23, 2019, and signed into law by President Trump on July 29, with Feal and many of his fellow activists present for the capstone moment.
Curator's Comment
The 9/11 attacks continue to affect the health and well-being of victims’ families and friends, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, cleaning crews, and those living and working in the vicinity of the three crash sites. Some injuries were immediately obvious, requiring hospitalization, surgeries, and lengthy recuperations. Other injuries were less apparent, including emotional scars and later illnesses.
Almost immediately, questions arose about the long-term impact of exposure to the dust clouds that formed when the towers collapsed on 9/11 and the dangers of working at the site during the recovery. Days after the attack, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared the air in lower Manhattan safe. Subsequent tests showed that the omnipresent dust—made of pulverized building materials, industrial chemicals, and electronics mingled with jet fuel residue—was hazardous. Critics accused the government of a failure to protect citizens and inconsistent enforcement of respirator use at Ground Zero.
Survivors, residents, workers, and concerned citizens fought for legal remedies for injuries, treatment expenses, and loss of work. After years of debate, the U.S. Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2010. The landmark bill provides financial compensation to individuals who suffered physical injury or death as a result of the 9/11 attacks and established a program that monitors and treats those with 9/11-related health conditions. Congress reauthorized the Zadroga Act in 2015, extending the compensation fund for five additional years and the health program through 2090. In 2019, after another lobbying effort, the compensation fund was extended through 2092. More than 95,000 people living in all 50 states have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.
HIDE
The 9/11 attacks continue to affect the health and well-being of victims’ families and friends, survivors, rescue and recovery workers, cleaning crews, and those living and working in the vicinity of the three crash sites. Some injuries were immediately obvious, requiring hospitalization, surgeries, and lengthy recuperations. Other injuries were less apparent, including emotional scars and later illnesses.
Almost immediately, questions arose about the long-term impact of exposure to the dust clouds that formed when the towers collapsed on 9/11 and the dangers of working at the site during the recovery. Days after the attack, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared the air in lower Manhattan safe. Subsequent tests showed that the omnipresent dust—made of pulverized building materials, industrial chemicals, and electronics mingled with jet fuel residue—was hazardous. Critics accused the government of a failure to protect citizens and inconsistent enforcement of respirator use at Ground Zero.
Survivors, residents, workers, and concerned citizens fought for legal remedies for injuries, treatment expenses, and loss of work. After years of debate, the U.S. Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2010. The landmark bill provides financial compensation to individuals who suffered physical injury or death as a result of the 9/11 attacks and established a program that monitors and treats those with 9/11-related health conditions. Congress reauthorized the Zadroga Act in 2015, extending the compensation fund for five additional years and the health program through 2090. In 2019, after another lobbying effort, the compensation fund was extended through 2092. More than 95,000 people living in all 50 states have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.
HIDE
