9/11 Hero Dies While Mitch MicConnell Fail to Act

Luis Alvarez, a 9/11 responder who testified before Congress about the depleted 9/11 Victims Compensation fund, has died at age 53. He passed away after a long battle with cancer, his family said.

Alvarez, a retired New York City police detective, died from advanced-stage colorectal cancer that caused his liver to fail.  He was diagnosed with the disease in 2016, and doctors believe it was linked to time spent at Ground Zero after the World Trade Center collapse.

In his final interview on June 20th, Alvarez said he had no regrets. “9/11 happened. We got called down. It’s my job as an NYPD detective to respond to emergencies. So, no hesitation. We went down, spent about three months down there doing the bucket brigade, doing rooftop detail, trying to find remains. I did what every other FDNY, NYPD, EMS worker – everybody. I’m nobody special. I did what all the other guys did. And now we’re paying the price for it.”

Alvarez appeared with comedian and former talk show host Jon Stewart before a congressional subcommittee in Washington. He asked the panel to replenish the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which is almost out of funds.

Unfortunately, Alvarez is yet another victim of Republican hypocrisy. Republicans don’t care about first responders, the teachings of Jesus or the troops. They only care about tax cuts for corporations and entitlements for the rich. Monster Mitch could have pushed for a senate vote, but instead chose to attack Jon Stewart and the courageous first responders who demanded action.

The bill to permanently fund the 9/11 Victims Compensation fund has still not been introduced in the Senate by Mitch McConnell, despite the measure having over 60 co-sponsors.