Jon Stewart addressed Congress on Tuesday, at a hearing about reauthorising funding for people with diseases linked to the 9/11 crash sites.
The comedian used the opportunity to admonish the House Judiciary Committee for its low attendance.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was created by Congress after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, to help anyone injured or sickened in the attacks or in the response process.
“As I sit here today, I can’t help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process that getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to,” Stewart told a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee. “Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 first responders, and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress.”
Stewart went on to call Congress hypocrites for not acting to support First Responders who put their lives on the line during 9/11.
“There is not a person here – there is not an empty chair on that stage that didn’t tweet out, ‘never forget the heroes of 9/11; never forget their bravery; never forget what they did, what they gave to this country,’” Stewart said, then pointed to the crowd of first responders behind him. “Well, here they are.”
“They responded in five seconds – they did their jobs. With courage, grace, tenacity, humility,” Stewart added. “Eighteen years later, do yours.”
