House permanently reauthorizes 9/11 compensation fund
Posted by Robert Leonard / July 18, 2019
Last month, John Stewart appeared before a congressional committee to advocate for funding for 9/11 first responders. What he delivered was less a speech and more a nine-minute tirade, and it quickly went viral. Stewart’s passion is palpable, and we encourage you to watch the full video:
The video has millions of views across various YouTube channels and other platforms.
After Stewart read them the riot act, the House opted to reopen the 9/11 first responder fund––permanently. The vote was 402 to 12. The funding will ensure financial support for the thousands of first responders suffering from medical conditions related to the 9/11 catastrophe.
The bill is named after several first responders, including Luis Alvarez, who died after testifying before Congress to advocate for funding. “This fund isn’t a ticket to paradise, it’s to provide our families with care,” Alvarez said. “You all said you would never forget. Well, I’m here to make sure that you don’t.”
Although the House has passed the bill, things are not settled yet. The Senate still has to vote for the measure. First responders are urging the Senate to pass the bill. If it passes, the victim compensation fund will be extended indefinitely.
More news.
Comments are off for this post.