'They responded [to 9/11 attacks] in 5 seconds. They did their jobs, with courage, grace, tenacity, humility ... 18 years later, do yours!'
, $5 billion has already been given to more than 20,000 survivors who've been stricken with cancer and respiratory diseases."I'm awfully tired of hearing it's 9/11, a New York issue. Al Qaeda didn't shout death to Tribeca," he said, referring to a neighborhood in Manhattan."They attacked America. And these men and women and their response to it is what brought our country back.
"I can't help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to — behind me a filled room of 9/11 first responders and in front of me a nearly empty Congress," he said."Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak, to no one.
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., appeared to respond to Stewart's remarks later in the hearing, according to"All these empty chairs that's because it's for the full committee, not because it's disrespect or lack of attention to you," Cohen said. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., predicted the bill will pass with overwhelming support and said lawmakers meant no disrespect as they came and went from the subcommittee hearing, a common occurrence on Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers said they support the bill and were monitoring the hearing amid other congressional business, the Associated Press reported.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jon Stewart Rips Congress During House Hearing on 9/11 Victims Fund, Gets Standing OvationJon Stewart gave Congress an earful on Tuesday, blasting a House Judiciary subcommittee for its seeming indifference towards the plight of 9/11 first responders as he testified on their behalf for the extension of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund.The former Daily Show host has long been frustrated
Read more »
An angry Jon Stewart demands Congress compensate 9/11 responders'They did their jobs...18 years later, do yours!' In angry and impassioned remarks, Jon Stewart appeals to Congress to make 9/11 victim compensation fund permanent. Watch his full opening statement:
Read more »
Jon Stewart chokes up and slams Congress over treatment of 9/11 first responders'Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 first responders, and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress.' Jon Stewart choked up while slamming Congress over health care for 9/11 responders. Many lawmakers did not show up for the House Judiciary Committee hearing.
Read more »
Watch Jon Stewart Shred Congress Over Lack of Health Care for 9/11 First Responders'Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak to no one,” Stewart said. “It’s an embarrassment to the country, and it is a stain on this institution”
Read more »
Jon Stewart Lashes Out at Congress Over 9/11 Victims FundThe comedian, a longtime advocate for 9/11 responders, angrily called out lawmakers for failing to attend Tuesday's hearing on a bill that would ensure the fund can pay benefits for the next 70 years.
Read more »