Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Jon Stewart Joins 9/11 Workers To Push Congress To Extend 9/11 Health Program
By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 17, 2015
Modified Apr 11, 2018
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Sep 17, 2015
Modified Apr 11, 2018
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
This week, Jon Stewart made his first major public appearance since putting his Daily Show run to rest and getting bodyslammed by a pro-wrestler, appearing at a rally in front of the US Capitol to fight to extend health benefits for 9/11 first responders. "I have a warning: today, on the Hill, you will be exposed to possibly toxic levels of bullshit and arrogance. You’re strong men and women, but these are conditions you may have never seen before," Stewart said in front of a crowd of first responders, activists and lawmakers. "Nobody had to lobby you to rush to the towers on that day."
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which was passed to ensure 9/11 first responders and rescue workers would get federal money for their health care, is set to expire next month.
"I want to apologize to all the men and women, first responders, that you had to come down here today," a bearded Stewart said more soberly. "I'm embarrassed. I'm embarrassed for our country. I'm embarrassed for New York. I'm embarrassed that you, after serving so selflessly with such heroism, have to come down here and convince people to do what's right for the illnesses and difficulties that you suffered because of your heroism and because of your selflessness."
Watch it below.
Stewart has long been an outspoken advocate of the bill, which President Obama signed into law in January 2011. Stewart very publicly went after lawmakers pussyfooting around the Act, devoting his final Daily Show episode of 2010 to the topic, which the Times credits with helping prompt its passage.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive
The act is named after NYPD detective James Zadroga, who died in 2006. While one medical examiner said that he did die from toxic World Trade Center dust, the city ruled that he didn't and Mayor Bloomberg even said that he wasn't a hero (he later apologized).
According to Politico, Stewart's activism went over well: several lawmakers—including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, and Reps. Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney and Peter King—held "a spirited afternoon press conference, where they urged their fellow members of Congress to back the effort." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also said he supported extending the bill.
If you are interested in what you can do to support the bill, you can find out more information about it here.
Tagged
9/11
9/11 Health and Compensation Act
Congress
James Zadroga act
Jon Stewart
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: NYC comptroller backs off investing city pension funds in Israel bonds
Because Mark Levine pledged to make the investment during his campaign, here are your early links: A mini T-Rex skeleton on display at Sotheby's, New Yorkers love a fancy bird, excellent chalupas in Corona and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 15, 2026 at 8:34 a.m. ET
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
News
NYPD investigating after 5-year-old Queens girl found dead
Police responded to a call from her mother after an assault.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Hochul, Blakeman offer opposing visions for jobs to stem New York exodus
By
Jimmy Vielkind
Hannah-Jones, NYC schools chancellor set to speak at high-stakes integration town hall
By
Jessica Gould
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .