US Congress approved a bill to raise fund to provide free medical treatment to those suffering from illnesses contracted while clearing the debris at the Ground Zero site in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack.
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 seeks to create a $4.3 billion fund to provide free medical treatment. But, indirectly it may affect Indians and Indian IT companies.
The bill passed on Wednesday night will require an estimated budget of $4.3 billion over a 5-year period will primarily be funded by taxing goods and services sourced from contractors in countries like India, China and Thailand, which are outside the purview of WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement. It will also be funded by continuation of an increased fee on certain categories of H-1B and L1 visas — that would mainly impact Indian IT companies — and the continuation of a fee on some travelers to this country.
At a press conference following the passage of the bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the bill might not be perfect, but is nevertheless satisfying.
"We didn't get everything we wanted. We didn't get everything we wanted. But always remember: Legislation is the art of compromise. This is $4.3 billion better than nothing.
"This is a great victory for the American people, the people of New York, New Jersey and the rest of the country," he said.
