Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is joining the fight to reauthorize federal legislation that compensates first responders who got sick working at ground zero in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The former U.S. senator from New York and potential 2016 presidential candidate called on union members to mobilize to fight for the extension of the James Zadroga Act.

The 2010 law provides medical treatment and compensation to those affected by the attack. It is set to expire in 2015 and 2016.

Clinton made the remarks Tuesday evening at a fundraiser in Lower Manhattan benefiting two union-backed Sept. 11 victims’ advocacy groups.

Protesters with the youth immigrant group United We Dream burst into chants of “undocumented, unafraid,” as Clinton was leaving the stage. They were escorted out by security.

(AP)