Federal support for September 11th first responders, survivors, and their families is scheduled to expire in December of 2020.

Already, administrators of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund say payouts could be reduced by more than half before next year - even as the number of new claims is on the rise.

But a legislation to introduce permanent funding known as the "Never Forget the Heroes" bill is gaining momentum in congress.

Attorney Michael Barasch and Fire Department Deputy Chief Richard Alles are among the supporters who have traveled from the city down to Washington to pressure lawmakers.