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Jon Stewart delivered a scathing Congressional rebuke and its treatment of benefits for first responders and 9/11 victims, tell US lawmakers that their inaction is "a hindrance to the country".
Stewart, who has been a staunch supporter of legislation anticipating federal funding for the medical treatment of 9/11 survivors, testified Tuesday alongside the first responders and victims before the judicial committee of the House.
But only a handful of legislators appeared at the hearing, prompting Stewart, visibly angry, to condemn the treatment of those who responded to and survived the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
"As I sit here today, I can not help but think of the incredible metaphor of this play for the entire process that is intended for the first aid of September 11, 2001, namely, getting health care and benefits, "said Stewart. "Behind me, a group of first responders on September 11 and a Congress almost empty."
He added:
Shameful. It is a shame for the country and a blot on this institution. You should be ashamed of yourself for those who are not here, but you will not be. Because responsibility does not seem to be happening in this place. "
Earlier this year, the US government slashed payments more than half to sick and dying people toxins released during attacks after US officials said the 9/11 victims' compensation fund was running out of money.
Those who developed health problems or who did not discover any disease until a later stage found an even greater reduction in health benefits payments. More than 20,000 people have suffered or died of cancer, breathing problems and other ailments because of the trauma inflicted on September 11th.
Stewart told legislators that it only took five seconds for first responders in New York to visit the scene of the terrorist attacks and that hundreds of people "died in an instant."
"There is not a person here, not an empty chair on this stage, who has not tweeted" Never forget the heroes of September 11 "," he said, citing how the members of Congress mark each year this day. "Never forget their courage, never forget what they did, what they gave to this country."
Drawing once more attention to the lack of urgency of Capitol Hill lawmakers, Stewart said, "It would be one thing if their senseless indifference and hypocrisy were benign, but that's not the case."
Your indifference has cost these men and women their most precious possession: time. It's the only thing they miss. This should be returned. This hearing should be reversed. These men and women should be on this stage and Congress should be here to answer their questions about why it's so difficult and so long. "
Stewart, who was often moved in his remarks, went to Washington several times with the 9/11 victims and first responders to lobby for a law codifying the health benefits. in law. Congress authorized $ 7.3 billion in 2015 cover claims until the end of 2020, but funds were quickly exhausted 20,000 people enrolled in the program.
The data published by the 9/11 fund in January showed a 235% increase in the number of deaths compared to the end of 2015. The number of people with cancer who have submitted eligible claims has also increased.
"Certainly the first responders of September 11 should not have to decide whether to live or have a place to live," said Stewart. "More and more men and women will get sick and will die."
He also spoke to those who reject the September 11th funding as a "New York affair", stating:
Al Qaeda did not shout "death to Tribeca". They attacked America. And it was these men and women, and their response, who brought our country back. That's what gave our failed country a solid base to move away from … and you ignore them. "
"I'm sorry if I seem angry and non-diplomatic, but I'm angry and you should be so," added Stewart, who received a standing ovation at the end of his statement.
"They responded in five seconds. They did their job [with] courage, grace, tenacity, humility. Eighteen years later, do yours.
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