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

When asked whether the city should disclose 9/11-era files from past administrations, Speaker 1 said yes and urged transparency.

"Sunlight is the best disinfectant," Speaker 1 said, arguing the files should be released so policymakers and the public can learn what happened and make better decisions about health programs. The Speaker noted that thousands of first responders and residents have died of cancer since 2001 and said the World Trade Center health registry needs full funding; Speaker 1 added that their own mother was among those who died.

Speaker 1 said they have pressed federal and state bodies in past advocacy and cited prior work with council member Linda Lee calling for registry support. They said the council will continue to advocate for funding and for disclosure of records to better inform public-health responses.