Jon Stewart returns to Capitol Hill to fight for 9/11 first responders funding

Jon Stewart is back on Capitol Hill to support the reauthorization of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

The comedian and former The Daily Show host made headlines back in June when he gave a powerful speech before Congress urging them to extend funding for 9/11 first responders and calling out inaction. 

Following the emotional speech, the House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to reauthorize the bill, and it was put up for a full House vote.

In honor of the House vote, which takes place today, Stewart visited Capitol Hill to show his support. He made another speech before a group that included House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, saying, "This is necessary, it is urgent and it is morally right. And not only that, you have a program that works."

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"This is the semi-finals. The finals are two weeks from now, in the Senate," Stewart explained.

"It's very difficult to watch a House and Senate with a trillion dollar deficit try and balance that budget of $10.2 billion over 10 years on the backs of 9/11 victims and first responders," he added. "It's like watching Joey Chestnut throw down 70 hot dogs in Coney Island, and then at the end of it not have a Coke, because he's watching the calories."

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Following his June speech before the Senate, retired FDNY firefighter Kenny Specht gave Stewart the bunker coat of Ray Pfeifer, Stewart's friend who died of cancer related to his rescue efforts on 9/11 in 2017. Stewart has supported first responders for years, and the cause remains close to his heart.

"We'll all be here for that one final moment — not of celebration, but of relief. Let them exhale," Stewart said, noting that he expects to have a final signing ceremony by August 2.

The bill was expected to clear the House and will be sent to the Senate for a final vote. If approved, the funding would be extended through 2090.