Stewart returns to ‘Daily Show’ to push 9/11 health act

It seems like an eternity since Jon Stewart left The Daily Show in early August. No, not to steal the show back from Trevor Noah – although it was kinda like he did.

But now that Noah is comfortable in his role, Stewart decided it was time to return as a guest this week to talk about something important to him.

Stewart and activist groups hope to get the bill renewed before Congress goes out of session later this week in order to secure funds.

With this being said, we’re not entirely sure that you should expect this to be a regular or even semi-regular occurrence.

“Honestly, if there were some sort of principled, pious reason, if he could say to me, ‘Oh, we just don’t do those types of bills, even for an exceptional case like 9/11, ‘ I guess I would at least have to respect whatever principle, however ignorant I may find it to be”, Stewart told HuffPost.

“It’s soon going to be out of money”. See, the Republicans have been dragging their feet on passing the legislation, leading Stewart to declare, “The only conclusion that I can draw is that the people of Congress are not as good a people as the people who are first responders”. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) – and convinced him to sign on to a permanent bill. “So maybe shame does work”, Stewart said.

The bill is now up for renewal and Stewart has been an outspoken advocate for its extension.

He urged, badgered and exhorted Congress, especially Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, to pass the Zadroga Act.

Stewart then revisits the four-person panel of 9/11 first responders he had on The Daily Show on 2009, only to discover that only one of them was well enough to appear on TV; two are seriously ill and one has passed away.