Jon Stewart Visits Congress with 9/11 First Responders: Ex ‘Daily Show’ Host Slams Government

Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart kept his promise and headed to Capitol Hill on Wednesday alongside a group of 9/11 first responders to fight Congress for an extension to the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The bill, which was put into play back in 2011 by President Barack Obama, gives $4.2 billion to form a stellar healthcare plan for first responders who came down to aid during the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.

You know, the one The League star Steve Rannazzisi lied about.

Anyway, a much more bearded version of the once-upon-a-time Comedy Central star appeared surrounded by a group of brave men and women, people who literally gave their everything to help during the 9/11 attacks. Since the act of terrorism, more first responders have died from diseases caught from being down at Ground Zero than actually died on that day.

The act is going to expire next month, which is exactly why Stewart appeared alongside the group – to demand an extension for the heroic men and women.

In the beginning, Stewart made an announcement apologizing to each and every first responder for the "toxic levels of bullsh*t and arrogance" that they were about to face from Congress.

"You're strong men and women, but these are situations you may never have faced before. So buckle your seatbelts and let's get this done."

He further apologized for the fact that they even had to come to Washington to fight for healthcare in the first place, given the heroism all of them showed on Sept. 11 and thereafter.

The comedian explained that he's also embarrassed for the country, largely because the first responders have to "convince people to do what's right for the illness and difficulties" suffered as a result of their "heroism" and "selflessness."

Thoughts on Stewart's speech?