![9/11 first responder health funding clears first hurdle](http://townsquare.media/site/180/files/2019/06/Shreveport-Firefighters.jpg?w=980&q=75)
9/11 first responder health funding clears first hurdle
The House Judiciary Committee passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 9/11 first responders who got sick in the aftermath of the attack.
Congressman Mike Johnson sat on the committee and says while the first responders fund has been well managed, it was time to guarantee those heroes who ran into the wreckage their benefits long term.
“We should not have the first responders and others effected be required to come to Congress every five years and put on the same case, so this will eliminate that now.”
Johnson says the hearing was the most emotional he’s ever sat through, and it brought up memories of his own firefighter father who was permanently disabled from a critical burn. He says the hearing was full of similarly tragic stories…
“What has come of it is more than 400 types of cancer and other ailments, lung and respiratory diseases, tragedies that have befallen the heroes that served us in those days.”
The issue grabbed national headlines after a fiery speech at a subcommittee hearing yesterday by comedian Jon Stewart, who blasted lawmakers for poor attendance as sick first responders testified, but Johnson says there was one issue…
“What he did not realize is, is that our subcommittee only has 14 members. He was looking at the two dozen empty chairs, suggesting or assume that members who were supposed to be there were not.”
The Washington Post reports only two of the members were not present for the hearing.
More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL
![Singer Ingrid Andress Says She Was Drunk During ‘Worst Ever’ MLB Anthem Performance](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-16T133851.193.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![5 Things to Know Before You Go: Superior Grill Now Open in Lafayette](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-16T113828.336.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Louisiana Essentials You Can Find Cheap for Amazon Prime Day](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-Amazon-Prime-Day.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here’s What Shoppers in Louisiana and Texas Need to Know About This Major Grocery Merger](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2022/10/attachment-GettyImages-81945762.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![TikTokers Have Strong Opinions About the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2023/01/attachment-I-10-Calcasieu-River-Bridge-google-street-view.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Truck Crashes Through Louisiana Convenience Store, Injuries Unknown](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-451428443_875361657961063_9009058308210370374_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Lafayette Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying iPad Theft Suspect](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-15T194605.280.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Alleged Donald Trump Shooter Spotted Nearly 30 Minutes Before Shots Fired](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2161431349.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Oddly-Named COVID Variant Making Its Way Into Louisiana for Possible ‘Summer Surge’, Experts Warn](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2020/08/GettyImages-1212257154.jpg?w=980&q=75)