CNBNews

WASHINGTON D.C. – Yesterday, in a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing,  Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) confronted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy about why his agency shut down the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, citing that the registry’s website stated that firefighters were no longer allowed to enroll. Hours later on Wednesday, the website removed this notice, and the Centers for Disease Control confirmed today that the registry is open again. 

“I was alarmed that the registry to support firefighters was shut down; it’s why I pressed the Secretary to take action. Even in the most divided times, we have to stand with our first responders and make sure they have the support they need — some issues should rise above politics. I’m grateful this error was corrected, and hope Secretary Kennedy prioritizes the health of our first responders,” said Senator Kim.

VIDEO OF SENATOR KIM’S QUESTION TO SECRETARY KENNEDY 

 During the hearing, Senator Kim echoed the anger of a local fire captain who shared his concerns at a recent town hall in Chatham, New Jersey, and asked Secretary Kennedy why it was shut down. Secretary Kennedy responded: “I don’t know about that,” but committed to working with Senator Kim on the issue. 

Senator Kim called for bipartisan agreement to look after firefighters’ needs and honor their service, saying, “if that is not seen as a high enough priority then I am worried about everything else.” 

The registry is a federal initiative to study and reduce cancer among firefighters that was shut down when the Trump administration gutted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Now reopened, the registry can continue its critical work to support U.S. firefighters, answer questions about the varying cancer risks across the diverse fire service, and help look out for firefighters’ health as they bravely serve to protect communities across the nation.