Comedian Jon Stewart continued his work lobbying for legislation to support 9/11 first responders with a rally on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
“I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed for our country. I’m embarrassed for New York,” Stewart said. “Nobody had to lobby you to rush to those towers that day.”
The rally called for members of Congress to support a bill funding the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides treatment to more than 30,000 first responders for illness linked to their roles in the aftermath of 9/11.
Read More: Jon Stewart To Lobby Congress For 9/11 First Responders
Stewart’s short speech took a lighter tone as the comedian warned the 9/11 first responders present about Congress. “Today on the Hill you will be exposed to possibly toxic levels of bullshit and arrogance,” he said to laughter.
The former Daily Show host has been advocate for 9/11 first responders for years. In 2010, he brought four first responders on his show to discuss the filibuster of a health bill.
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Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com