The Bush administration is looking for a new administrator of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The announcement was made by Julie Gerberding, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's director, after talking to the institute’s soon-to-be-replaced Dr. John Howard.

The doctor was consulted over the last few years on all heath aspects related to September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. At the time, he initiated a federal program meant to monitor and take care of all the workers sickened by the activity on the crash site’s dusty surroundings.

Doctor Howard’s supporters feel that his premature departure might ruin the progress made so far and strongly advise that the decision be reconsidered.

"It appears that the Bush administration fired Dr. Howard just for doing his job caring for Americans who are suffering as a result of 9/11," said New York Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney, according to ITH.com. "It's outrageous that the administration would treat the heroes of 9/11 so poorly on the day before our nation celebrates its independence."

Actually, John Howard’s term will end on July 14 and according to the CDC, this was his call as he decided to pursue other activities and challenges.

The CDC agreed last month to a $11 million contract for monitoring more than 6,000 people outside the New York City area, in addition to an existing effort which covers more than 70,000 people. The center’s officials reached the conclusion that the amount needed in order to properly monitor and treat all the sick workers would easily cross the $400 million bar.