Joined by Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) delivered the following statement at a press conference calling for the reauthorization of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act:

"I want to join my colleagues in thanking Jon Stewart for, once again standing up for the heroes of 9/11. Your leadership means so much to the responders and survivors around the country who risked everything 14 years ago and still suffer the health effects today. Five years ago you played a key role in our fight to get health coverage for these heroes, and we are proud to stand with you this morning to keep this fight going until the Zadroga Act is reauthorized.

"I am also proud and moved to see dozens of those responders and survivors here today marching the halls of Congress and demanding action on the reauthorization of the Zadroga Act. But a day like today shouldn’t be necessary. It shouldn’t take dozens of sick responders and survivors walking the halls of Congress, asking members not to turn their backs on them.

"Fourteen years ago, we rallied behind you all and pledged our support. We pledged we would never forget the events of that September morning or the sacrifices each of you made in its aftermath. We cannot in good conscience simply say “well, we remembered for fourteen years and that was enough.”

"We must not cut off health care and support for tens of thousands of survivors and responders because Congress failed to act. We cannot tell the sick folks who have already been told they will receive compensation from the VCF that Congress failed to act and now they will only receive pennies on the dollar.

"Congress must pass this bill now and reauthorize these programs!"