Garbarino Applauds Reappointment of Dr. John Howard to Lead World Trade Center Health Program

September 9, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, today congratulated Dr. John Howard on his reappointment to another six-year term as Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). The reappointment comes just days before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and follows a bipartisan, bicameral letter led by Garbarino and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urging Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to retain Dr. Howard. In July, Garbarino and Gillibrand led 26 bipartisan Members of Congress in calling for his reappointment. “For more than two decades, Dr. Howard has been a trusted advocate for the 9/11 community and dedicated leader of the World Trade Center Health Program,” said Congressman Garbarino. “As we mark 25 years since September 11th, I am grateful that Dr. Howard will continue this important work and congratulate him on his six-year reappointment. I thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for making this reappointment possible and for recognizing the importance of Dr. Howard's experienced leadership. Responders and survivors deserve stability, certainty, and a Program that will be there for them for years to come. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Howard to make sure they receive the care and support they have earned.” Dr. Howard was first appointed Director of NIOSH in 2002 and has served in the role under administrations of both parties. As NIOSH Director, he also serves as Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment to more than 140,000 9/11 responders and survivors nationwide. Earlier this year, Garbarino helped secure lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. He has continued working with members of the 9/11 community to ensure the Program has the staffing, resources, and leadership necessary to provide care for responders and survivors suffering from 9/11-related illnesses. In their July letter , Garbarino, Gillibrand, and their colleagues emphasized that Dr. Howard's continued leadership would provide stability and institutional knowledge as the Program enters its next chapter. ### Issues : Health Standing With Law Enforcement