Comedian Jon Stewart given standing ovation after criticising Congress over treatment of 9/11 rescue workers

12 June 2019

Comedian Jon Stewart has been given a standing ovation after he criticised lawmakers over the level of healthcare provided for responders to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The former Daily Show host and advocate for the responders appeared at a hearing before Congresss on Tuesday to address renewing funding for healthcare for those who have fallen ill since the attack.

An emotional Stewart hit out at absent members of Congress who did not attend the hearing, calling it “embarrassing”.

Most of the panel’s 14 members were not in attendance.

Jon Stewart testifying during a House Judiciary Committee hearing
Getty Images

During the House Judiciary Committee hearing, Stewart said: “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.

“Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 responders, and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress.”

Tearing up, he said: “Sick and dying, they brought themselves down here to speak to no one. Shameful. It’s an embarrassment to the country and it is a stain on this institution.

Stewart was comforted after becoming visibly upset during the hearing
Getty Images

“And you should be ashamed of yourselves for those that aren't here. But you won't be, because accountability doesn't appear to be something that occurs in this chamber."

A fund to support emergency responders who were sickened from breathing in dust during the September 11 attacks is due to expire in 2020, but New York Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney introduced legislation in February to fund the program permanently.

The fund, originally approved for five years in 2010, provides medical treatment for the emergency responders.

Stewart on Tuesday addressed some lawmakers' alleged hesitancy to extend the bill.

Stewart is an advocate for emergency responders
EPA

He added: "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.

"Well, here they are! And where are they?"

"Your indifference cost these men and women their most valuable commodity -- time!"

Taking a moment to compose himself again, Stewart added, "it's the one thing they're running out of."

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