Jon Stewart may have made his mark as a comedian, but there is no question that he’s nothing but business when it comes to activism. One of his biggest passions? Fighting for 9/11 first responders. And he thundered onto Capitol Hill to make his case to lawmakers to reauthorize a fund that provides healthcare to 9-11 first responders.
Stewart gave emotional testimony at a hearing on Capitol Hill – even shaming lawmakers who refused to show up to the hearing, as ailing first responders watched from the audience. He called the showing “an embarrassment to this country,” and questioned why the bill isn’t a unanimous consent.
“You should be ashamed of yourselves for not being here… what an incredible metaphor this room is, a filled room of 9/11 first responders and a nearly empty Congress,” he said. “Accountability appears not to be something that occurs in this chamber.”See a clip below and review audio to the right.
The fund that provides benefits to first responders and others dealing with illnesses related to the 2001 terror attacks is running short of money. The bill currently being considered would lock in funding and increase past payments to people sickened by toxins during the recovery.