(CNN)The Treasury Department has so far withheld in 2020 approximately $1.5 million from a New York City Fire Department health care program for those who worked at Ground Zero following the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to letters from New York Rep. Peter King.
The Republican congressman wrote to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in June and on September 10, urging him to reimburse the FDNY's World Trade Center Health Program for its services. He wrote that the department apparently withheld the funding due to "a range of issues dealing with different New York City offices and programs that have nothing to do with the FDNY Clinic."
"It is essential that you release these funds immediately to the FDNY's World Trade Center Clinic," King wrote to Mnuchin in September. "Our firefighters should not (be) punished for an administrative issue with New York City's Department of Finance."
The New York Daily News first reported that the Treasury Department withheld nearly $4 million over the past four years, including nearly $1.5 million this year through late August. FDNY spokesman Frank Dwyer told CNN that the Daily News article is "accurate."
But Frederick Vaughan, a Treasury Department official, told King's office in August that between August 2016 and May 2020, the department withheld nearly $2 million from FDNY. Vaughan wrote that the Treasury Department is required to "offset" federal payments for debts owed to the US, and since New York City has a single taxpayer identification number that covers multiple programs, FDNY's World Trade Center Health Program offset the debt of another.
Read More
King wrote that the department withheld the payments without informing FDNY, which he said noticed the discrepancies in their reimbursements over a year ago, and urged the department again in September to address the issue.
The Treasury Department is currently working with New York City to do so, according to a Trump administration official.
"Treasury adhered to its statutory obligations established by Congress regarding debts owed by New York," the official said. "But we are also working with Congressman King and others to examine any potential authorities to provide relief in this case to support our nation's 9/11 heroes."
Lauren Fox contributed to this report.
Paid Content
Dealmaking, co-innovation & mentorship programmes SLINGSHOT by StartupSG
China: New WiFi Booster Stops Expensive Internet redtechportal.com
This Watch surprises the whole country. The price? Ridiculous!… News Gadget 00:15
How can we harness our collective energy? Siemens Energy
Why Your Business Needs a Messenger Chatbot Chatfuel
9 Reasons Your Nonprofit Needs a Chatbot Chatfuel
Fugitive Businessman Jho Low to Forfeit Over $100 Million in Luxury Homes Mansion Global
Comedian Kathy Griffin Lists Los Angeles Home for $16 Million Mansion Global
China Expat Health Insurance - Get Quotes & Compare Plans Online China Expat Health Insurance
World White House says AstraZeneca vaccine trial pause is showing…
U.S. Video shows USPS mail being dumped in a California parking…
U.S. Cat owners fall in one of five categories, researchers say…
Politics Trump supporter died from virus. His daughter has a message for…
CNN International - Videos Jeffery Goldberg: There is a sense of horror about the way Trump acts and talks
Health Dr. Anthony Fauci: This is the good news
Health The Lewy body dementia that plagued Robin Williams
Politics Trump touts 'environmental accomplishments' after dismantling key protections
Politics Joe Biden is burying Donald Trump in ads
Politics Biden and Trump just released new ads. We fact checked them both.
Full-Floor Penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny… Mansion Global
How Nonprofits Are Using Chatbots to Change the World Chatfuel
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Buy ‘Organic Modern’ House in Los Angeles for $5.1 Million Mansion Global
$72 Million Hamptons Home is Priciest Public Listing Out East Mansion Global
Marketing Agencies: Here Are 6 Reasons You Should Offer Chatbot Services Chatfuel
Paid Content
Mansion Global Daily: Celebs in the New York Suburbs, the… Mansion Global L.A. Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Snaps Up Beach House Mansion Global All Seniors Should Wear This $49 Fit Band TechSave Startup Launches Dream Analysis Chatbot to Improve People’s… Chatfuel
More from CNN
'Game of Thrones' actress Diana Rigg dies Fox News host contradicts network reporter on Donald Trump's… Analysis: Don't believe Donald Trump's pledges to pay for his… Analysis: This Republican senator's response to the Woodward…
Recommended by