WASHINGTON 24 Jul (ANA) - The US Senate has voted to extend the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which was at risk of running out of money.

 

In a 97-2 vote, the Senate passed a bill to continue compensation payouts through to 2090. The fund was due to stop taking new claims in late 2020.

 

The House of Representatives had already backed the bill. President Donald Trump is expected to sign it.

 

The VCF covers medical costs of first responders, volunteers and survivors who were injured in the attacks.

 

Comedian Jon Stewart and surviving first responders have been actively campaigning for the extension.

 

During an emotional testimony in June, Mr Stewart castigated lawmakers for what he described as inaction.

 

The VCF was initially created in 2001, immediately following the attacks. This original VCF distributed over $7bn (£5.6bn) to families of more than 2,880 people who died and for 2,680 injured.(ANA)

FA/ANA/24 July 2019---------