Jon Stewart Back on ‘The Daily Show’ to Blast Ryan, McConnell Over 9/11 Bill

Since his exit back in August, many fans have been waiting for the triumphant return of former host Jon Stewart to The Daily Show. Well, everyone can breathe easier, because he came back on Monday night. But, boy, was he mad! Stewart blasted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who he called an “obstacle” to getting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed. The Zadroga Act pays for health care-related costs for 9/11 first responders.

Back in 2010, Stewart hosted a panel of four first responders on The Daily Show. The stories about their 9/11-related health issues helped get the bill passed. On Monday, they got the panel back together, but it was just Jon Stewart and Kenny Specht — two of the panel members were too ill to make it, and another has since died.

As Stewart approached the panel table — occupied by Specht and three empty chairs — the somber specter of this health tragedy became alarmingly clear.

The show ended on a call to action. Stewart and current Daily Show host Trevor Noah unveiled the hashtag #WorstResponders, encouraging viewers to take to social media and push their elected officials, especially those in McConnell’s home state of Kentucky, to pass this legislation once and for all. Even though Stewart is technically retired, it’s nice to know that he will always have a home from which to fight these good fights.

The Daily Show airs weeknights at 11 p.m. on Comedy Central.

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