Last week, comedian Jon Stewart appeared in front of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties to address the upcoming bill to extend funding for victims of 9/11 beyond 2020. Appearing alongside
dozens of Sept. 11 victims, Stewart’s appearance before the subcommittee received national attention because of his impassioned speech that criticized Congress for their inaction and lackluster attendance during the hearing. Stewart said that the empty seats in front of him were “an embarrassment to the country and a stain on the institution.”
The subcommittee consists of 14 members, 12 of whom were present for the hearing. The absent members of the subcommittee were Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Ca., and Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa.
