Jon Stewart leads group pleading for secured future of 9/11 fund

A group led by former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart testified Tuesday in front of a U.S. House subcommittee in support of a bill that would ensure that the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund never runs out of money.

The hearing came after the Justice Department announced earlier this year that future payments could be cut by as much as 70%.

The comedian was deadly serious as he addressed lawmakers, just as he and the 9/11 first responders for whom he is advocating have had to do time and time again.

"Your indifference cost these men and women their most valuable commodity," Stewart said. "Time. The one thing they're running out of."

Anthony Flammia is a former NYPD officer from Miller Place. He says he's seen many friends and fellow heroes die as a result of the toxins they inhaled in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. He wonders when it'll be his time to go.

Flammia was forced to retire from the NYPD as a result of his own 9/11-related injuries. He says he's outraged that 9/11 first responders have once again traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the federal government's help.

"It's just a disgrace," he says.

Flammia says he flies a new American flag outside of his home every year. He never forgets. And he says lawmakers mustn't as well.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle voiced their support Tuesday for the new bill, dubbed the "Never Forget the Heroes Act."

It's unclear when a vote will take place.

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