On Tuesday, our divided nation and Congress heard from someone known for taking sides — former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart — but this time, Stewart sought to unite.
He’s been a passionate and involved proponent of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which has provided financial assistance and resources for the first responders and survivors of the terrorist attacks on New York City. The toxic stew at Ground Zero ravaged the men and women who went about searching for remains and clearing the site those many years ago. But the fund, which is slated to end in 2020, has been drained by ongoing and emerging medical expenses borne by those injured or sickened during the recovery.
First responders and their families still have no assurance the fund will not run out of money. The Justice Department said in February the fund is being depleted and that benefit payments are being cut by up to 70%.
Stewart, as usual, pulled no punches, lambasting the meeting that drew more victims than members of Congress to the hearing.
“I can’t help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process of getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders,” Stewart said. “Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 first responders, and in front of me a nearly empty Congress. Sick and dying, they came down here to speak. And no one? Shameful. It’s an embarrassment to the country, and it is a stain on this institution.”
Some members came in and out of the hearing. Two missed it entirely: Republican Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, and a California Democrat who thinks he should be president, Eric Swalwell.
“I am tired of hearing that it is a 9/11 New York issue,” Stewart said. “Al-Qaeda didn’t shout ‘Death to Tribeca.’ They attacked America, and these men and women and their response to it is what brought our country back. … It’s what gave a reeling nation a solid foundation to stand back upon, to remind us why this country is great, why this country is worth fighting for, and you are ignoring them. You can end it tomorrow. Why this bill isn’t unanimous consent … is beyond my comprehension.”
Agreed! This is beyond any sort of political gamesmanship. The new extension bill has bipartisan support: It’s sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) among others from both parties. On Wednesday, the new bill, which would extend the fund until 2090, passed on a voice vote with no opposition or dissent. A House vote is expected soon and then would head to the Senate.
Retired New York detective, bomb squad and military veteran Luis Alvarez told the panel he’d had almost 70 rounds of chemotherapy. His testimony riveted the room.
“I will not stand by and watch as my friends with cancer from 9/11 like me are valued less than anybody else, because when they get sick, they die,” he said. “You all said you’d never forget. Well, I’m here to make sure you don’t.”
Ranking member Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) told The Washington Post he was stirred by what he heard Tuesday.
“I’ve been in politics a while. I can’t recall being so moved by testimony as I was today,” Johnson said. “I cried through most of this, a lot of us did. … If it’s any comfort to you all, we know this bill is going to pass with an overwhelming landslide majority of the House, maybe unanimous.”
This doesn’t need to be something campaigned for on an annual basis, this needs to be something these heroes no longer have to worry about. We must take care of these people.
