WASHINGTON (WCBS 880) — Comedian Jon Stewart headed to Capitol Hill on Thursday with lawmakers and military advocates to push a bill that would provide healthcare to service men and women exposed to toxic chemicals.
For years, military bases overseas have burned all of their waste, including plastics and other toxic materials, in what has become known as “burn pits.”
The pits emit toxic fumes that have been inhaled by many military personnel, who now are facing long-term health issues because of the exposure.
Currently, veterans facing those health issues need to prove to the federal government that their illnesses are linked to burn pits to receive compensation – and Stewart and others are looking to change that.
After a day of meetings with Washington lawmakers, Stewart spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill saying he is hopeful veterans will see change soon.
“We think there is a willingness to do what's right, to get these veterans the urgent health care and benefits that they've earned from their service,” he said.
Stewart – who stepped in to help 9/11 first responders get their Victim Compensation Fund funded through 2070 – added that he’d like to see Congress pass legislation that would establish a presumptive service connection for those suffering from illnesses caused by military toxins before Veterans Day.
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“It's Veterans Day on November 11. And boy, what a lovely day to not just do a symbolic nod to the sacrifices that the men and women who served this country have made but to do something tangible, to finally address the consequences that they face from their service,” he said.
Stewart concluded saying, “If we can't do this, what chance do the rest of us have?”
Advocate John Feal, who regularly took trips to Congress to push for the 9/11 VCF, was also on Capitol Hill Thursday, where he gave a passionate plea to lawmakers to get the bill passed.
He urged all Americans to contact their congressional representatives to “demand that these veterans who are sick and dying get the help that they deserve.”
“These people deserve better. These men and women who protected us from harm's way, they’re literally dying every day because they get denied and then they commit suicide. But yeah, we'll go up to them and say ‘Hey, thank you for your service,’” Feal said.
“It should be, ‘Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. What can I do now to ease your pain? Perhaps I can help you get legislation passed,’” he added. “What a concept, Senate… It’s disgusting, repulsive and I’m in the mood for a fight.”
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