The good news is that first responders who put themselves in harm's way during one of the greatest tragedies to ever occur on mainland America are one step closer to continuing to get the assistance they need. The day after Jon Stewart took a small but powerful legislative assembly to task, the congressmen voted in complete agreement to send a measure to the full house for a vote that, if passed will permanently fund the bill necessary to give many of these first responders lifesaving treatments. The House Judiciary Panel was lambasted by usual funnyman Jon Stewart as they drug their feet on passing a bill to extend the help afforded to firefighters, policemen, emergency medical personnel and everyone who rushed to the scene of the traumatic aftermath of the Twin Towers in New York City collapsing after being intentionally struck by airplane terrorists.

Victim Compensation Fund

The Victim Compensation Fund is funded through 2020 and provides families with financial assistance to get treatment for a variety of cancers and other medical problems arising from their loved ones putting themselves in danger to help members of the public get to safety. With tariffs, trade negotiations, the upcoming elections and fallout from the Mueller Report, Congress was quietly letting this fast-approaching deadline run out. But Tuesday, Stewart stepped up to the plate and hit a political home run for the ages.

He blasted the legislators who didn't even bother to show up. The House committee looked even more paltry compared to the room full or first responders who packed the hearing room.

According to CBS News, Stewart said, "I can't help but think what an incredible metaphor this room is...a filled room of 9/11 first responders and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress." Many of the first responders in the audience were moved to tears at the passionate defense that Stewart raised on their behalf. At the end of the hearing, they were clapping and cheering, unable to contain themselves.

Heroes

The heroes painted a vivid and obvious picture of need as they sat there in various stages of ill health, so poignant that their case could have been won if not a word had been spoken. But just in case what they saw in front of their eyes didn't convince them, Congress reeled as Stewart questioned the very decency of the lawmakers who were dragging out their decision using the luxury of time that those suffering do not have.

It turned out to be one of the most emotional and effective days that the halls of the Capitol have seen in a long time. in this era where it seems everyone is voting party over what is best for the good of the country, June 12, 2019, will stand out as a day when we gave just a little comfort and love to those who fearlessly came to our rescue.