NEW YORK - Members of the FDNY and elected officials are pushing back against cuts to compensation meant to support victims of the September 11th attacks, their families and those who worked at the site. 

A press conference is being held Friday to discuss the damaging effects of cutting back these funds.

This comes after it was announced earlier this week payments from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund could be cut up to 70 percent due to dwindling federal funds. 

Many workers have been stricken with respiratory diseases or cancers from exposure to toxic fumes and waste.

There are nearly 1,000 cancer conditions related to the attacks.

Firefighters are traveling to Washington to discuss the situation with congressional leaders next week.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has also called on Congress to increase funding.