Jon Stewart lashes out at Congress over 9/11 victims fund
Reporting from WASHINGTON — Comedian Jon Stewart is scolding Congress for failing to ensure that a victims’ compensation fund set up after the 9/11 attacks never runs out of money.
Stewart, 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. Pointing to rows of empty seats at a House Judiciary Committee hearing room, Stewart said “sick and dying†first responders and their families came to Washington for the hearing, only to face a nearly deserted dais.
He called the lack of attendance “an embarrassment to the country and a stain on the institution†of Congress.
Lawmakers said they support the bill and were monitoring the hearing amid other congressional business.
Watch video of Jon Stewart plead for Congress to reauthorize funding for 9/11 victims>>
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
