NADLER: BRING BACK 9/11 HEALTH CZAR

rep. jerrold nadler and 13 other members of new york's house delegation urged president barack obama in a letter to reappoint dr. john howard as 9/11 health czar. "dr. howard has received accolades for his outstanding work on behalf of the heroes of 9/11," the letter read, "gaining praise from labor, community groups and health care providers alike." appointed by former president george w. bush in february 2006, howard was director of the national institute for occupational safety and health and in charge of 9/11 health programs. when his term ended in july 2008, he was not reappointed and instead assigned to a public health law program run by the center for disease control. with federal funding, howard started the world trade center medical monitoring and treatment programs. "dr. john howard has demonstrated expertise and skill in overseeing 9/11 health efforts," nadler said in a statement. "there was never any justifiable reason for removing him from his post."