9/11 victims fund

Jon Stewart joins lawmakers in push for 9/11 victims funding

By MARIANNE LEVINE

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, joined by comedian Jon Stewart, are pushing to fully compensate first responders and survivors suffering from illnesses linked to the 9/11 attacks.

Lawmakers introduced legislation Monday that would guarantee that first responders sickened by the attacks, as well as their survivors, receive their full benefit from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. The bill would also make funding permanent.

The bicameral legislation was introduced by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) as well as Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.)

Schumer called the bill a “moral obligation” and pledged to push for its passage.

“If we learn that more people are hurt, we don’t stop and say ‘too late buddy, too late ma’am you got your cancer five years too late,’” Schumer said at a press conference. “We step up to the plate. That’s what America’s always done. That’s what America must do now.”

The legislation comes after a report from the compensation fund’s special master last week that warned benefits would be reduced between 50 and 70 percent, depending on when a claim was filed, citing insufficient funds.

“I sincerely apologize to the 9/11 community for making a promise that I could not keep,” special master Rupa Bhattacharyya wrote.

Lawmakers were joined Monday by 9/11 responders and their families, along with Stewart, who went around Capitol Hill Monday to lobby for the bill’s passage. Stewart has drawn attention to the plight of families affected by 9/11 both when he hosted “The Daily Show” and in public appearances.

Stewart described Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as an “impediment” to getting permanent funding for the Victim Compensation Fund and called for continued pressure on him to reverse course.

“It’s a huge problem and the only problem,” Stewart said.

McConnell's office didn't respond to a request for comment.

But Stewart had kind words for the Justice Department during President Donald Trump's presidency, which he said is doing an “excellent job” administering the program.

"Now it’s Congress’ job to fund it properly and let these people live in peace," he said.