Off The Grid: 9/11 Victims May Lose Government Financial Support if Congress Doesn't Act Now

New York lawmakers are warning that victims of the 9/11 attacks could lose financial support as soon as next year if Congress doesn't renew the financial aid fund.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund will expire in October 2016, according to a report by The Hill, if Congress doesn't reauthorize it.

What's worse? Only a quarter of the compensation claims have reportedly been resolved to this date.

Over 5,600 awards are yet to be approved. This has totaled in more than $1.3 billion.

Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney warns The Hill that, "at that pace, the program will run out of money."

Lawmakers warn that Congress must extend and fully fund the program, otherwise claims will be cut by half or more.

Only a quarter of the House has back the legislation, according to Maloney. First responders make up 91% of the awards given so far. People with cancer make up 18% of the awards.

Over 19,000 have reportedly submitted to the fund. In order to be eligible, you must have evidence that you were present at the World Trade Center, Pentagon or Shanksville, Pa. on that fateful day in 2001.

So far, more than 11,700 were eligible for the compensation, but only about half have received it.

What's the hold-up? Will Congress renew the program? Sound off below.

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