The World Trade Center Health Program’s goal is to monitor and provide health care and treatment to more than 30,000 of the first responders on 9/11. Many first responders suffer from illnesses like cancer as a result of their work at Ground Zero. This program expires next month, leaving it without funds, and thousands of first responders without care.
Jon Stewart is lobbying congress for a bill that supports 9/11 first responders. The move was announced by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, last week. Jon Stewart has long been an advocate for 9/11 first responders’ health issues. In one of his Daily Show segments (2010), the former fake newscaster brought first responders onto his show. They shared how they felt about a Senate filibuster on a health bill regarding their care.
On this trip to Washington, Jon Stewart followed up on a pledge to lobby Congress alongside ailing 9/11 first responders. He gave a solemn warning to the first responders. He told them,
“Today, on the Hill, you will be exposed to possibly toxic levels of bullshit. And arrogance. You’re strong men and women, but these are conditions you may never have faced before. So buckle your seat belts, and let’s get this done.”
He is hoping to help convince Congress to renew the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Jon Stewart described the pending collapse of the program as shameful. He apologized on behalf of the United States to the first responders gathered on the lawn outside the Capitol. He said,
“I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed for our country. I’m embarrassed for New York. I’m embarrassed that you, after serving so selflessly, with such heroism, have to come down here and convince people to do what’s right for the illnesses and difficulties that you suffered because of your heroism and because of your selflessness.”
“Nobody had to lobby you to rush to those towers on that day. I am sorry, and I apologize.”
151 House members and 37 senators had backed the bill as of this (Wednesday) morning. Supporters for the first responders are hoping to increase that number by the end of the day. People can search here to find out if a lawmaker supports the new legislation or not.
Before setting off, Jon Stewart joked that the people who sacrificed their health in the debris of the twin towers would need all their heroism to face politicians. If only that was a real joke.
