A group of federal lawmakers gathered in the nation’s capital on Tuesday to announce a push for permanent extension of legislation that offers medical and financial help to first responders and survivors of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which was signed into law in 2011 after years of debate and Republican opposition to the more than $4 billion cost, is set to expire this year.

The legislation provides medical treatment, monitoring, and financial compensation for individuals who were exposed to toxins in the aftermath of the attacks and face potential serious health effects.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) cited that over 3,800 first responders and survivors have been diagnosed with 9/11-related cancers. There are more than 63,000 individuals enrolled in programs under the Zadroga Act, including the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Lawmakers were joined by first responders, survivors, and union leaders in the fight to extend these benefits. 9/11 first responder and advocate John Feal challenged members of congress to work together and pass the bill by September 11th of this year, saying the issue goes beyond partisan politics. “We are talking about human life,” Feal said, “and you do not put political ideologies before human life. It’s that simple.”