Hundreds of first responders, including some from Long Island, rallied at One World Trade in support of a bill to extend health care funding for thousands of people diagnosed with Sept. 11, 2001-related illnesses.

They're calling on Congress to extend the Zadroga Act, which expires at the end of the year. The law provides funding for people sickened by the toxic dust launched into the air from collapsed buildings in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

In a controversial move, some lawmakers have proposed an extension with steep cuts to payments.

The new proposal, introduced on Thursday by Virginia Rep. Bob Goodlatte, would extend the Zadroga act by 5 years, and could reduce compensation by 60 percent.

Rep. Steve Israel says he opposes the changes and adds that the original Zadroga Act has majority support in both houses of Congress.