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Video: Jon Stewart Begs Senate To Pass 9/11 Health Bill
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 17, 2010
Modified Dec 17, 2010
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 17, 2010
Modified Dec 17, 2010
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Last night, Jon Stewart dedicated his final Daily Show of 2010 to the languishing James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. It's believed that the bill, which has passed the House (not without shouting) but was filibustered by the GOP in the Senate, has its last shot this year, because next year the House goes to the Republicans. Last week, Republicans Senators complained that tax cuts needed to take precedence; now that the tax cut plan has passed both houses, Republican Senators have objected to the voting on the bill again because the vote might take place between Christmas and New Year's. Republican Senator Jon Kyl (Arizona) said it was "impossible to do all of the things that the majority leader laid out without disrespecting one of the two holiest of holidays for Christians." So Stewart, like he did earlier this week, took lawmakers—and conservative pundits—to task for seemingly abandoning 9/11 first responders.
The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cWorst Responderswww.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire Blog</a>The Daily Show on Facebook
He invited four first responders to discuss the bill—which would give $7.4 billion to first responders of the September 11 World Trade Center attacks and their survivors— and one mentioned the hypocrisy, "It just goes to show the disconnect between those we elect to represent us and those that get out there and do the work ... You won't find a single New York City firefighter who considers it a sign of disrespect to work in a New York City firehouse on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day." And others are noticing how Stewart and the Daily Show are one of the few national media outlets (aside from local media, like the Daily News, which has made it one of its signature topics for the past few years). The Daily News has an editorial today, praising Stewart's criticism of Republican politicians who hijack 9/11 but haven't voted to support first responders.
Former FDNY lieutenant Kenny Sprecht, one of the first responders on the program, e-mailed today, "Lately Jon has been doing a series of shows dedicated to getting the word out about this much needed bill... I want to thank Jon Stewart & his great staff for the care & concern they showed myself as well as the other members of the panel as we discussed this very important topic."
You can see the full episode here.
Tagged
9/11
9/11 Health and Compensation Act
daily show
first responders
james zadroga
Jon Stewart
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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