New York lawmakers are calling for Congress to reauthorize federal legislation to compensate first responders who became ill working at ground zero.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of Congress from both parties made their call Monday at the World Trade Center.

Thursday is the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

The two programs in the current bill provide medical treatment and compensation. They’re set to expire in 2015 and 2016.

The lawmakers say a bill to reauthorize the programs will be introduced in the Senate and House this month.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says letting the programs expire would mean the government had turned its back on heroes.

The programs have paid out more than $1.1 billion to those affected by the attacks.

(AP)