STEWIN’ AT 9/11 INSULT
Fund Zadroga Act, Jon cries in new D.C. push
COMEDIAN Jon Stewart headed back to Capitol Hill Thursday to blast Congress’ “stupid and embarrassing” failure to renew the Zadroga Act.
The former host of “The Daily Show,” first responders and members of Congress made a last-ditch push to get the health care bill for Sept. 11 heroes passed by the end of the year.
“This is insane,” Stewart told the crowd.
“We have a bunch of first responders outside freezing their asses off,” he said. “Our country’s last responders, our country’s worst responders, are inside nice and comfy and cozy, and probably having soup.”
He pointed the finger at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whom many Zadroga backers have blamed for blocking the bill after it was left out of a massive highway bill they hoped would include it.
“Sen. Mitch McConnell can rectify this immediately,” Stewart said, noting that the Kentucky Republican sponsored a health care bill for nuclear energy workers that has cost $11 billion.
“How in good conscience can you deny them the very thing that you have proudly brought to the people of your state? Please, personally ask him that,” Stewart said.
McConnell ignored questions about his role in blocking the legislation after a news conference Tuesday. His spokesman denied he was the roadblock.
Sept. 11 advocate John Feal said the group met with McConnell Wednesday and he promised to include Zadroga in an omnibus budget bill, but said money must still be found to pay for it.
Congress let the World Trade Center Health Program expire in September.
The program has enough money to continue treatment for responders suffering from cancer and respiratory diseases caused by Ground Zero toxins for now, but it will run out if the feds don’t renew it.
Backers want a permanent reauthorization.
“Men and women who answered the call of duty after the gravest terrorist attack in our nation’s history stood there on the Pile looking for survivors, finding remains, doing the horrible work of cleaning up after such a loss — all the while breathing in so many deadly toxins that are now killing them,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
“They came because they are patriots. They came because they are heroes. So what is Congress doing today? Nothing. The answer is nothing.”
Still, she vowed to get the bill over the finish line before Congress leaves town for the holidays.
“We are moving this bill,” she said. “What we need from our Senate and House leadership is exactly that — leadership.”