Republicans reverse course as Senate passes burn pits legislation after days of pressure
AdvertisementAsked to explain the GOP reversal, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) offered no broad explanation and acknowledged the legislation would pass with broad support. “I think in the end the veterans service organizations are going to be pleased with the final result.”Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont. ), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, credited the veterans groups and Stewart with taking what was previously a relatively obscure health issue and turning it into a national cause. Instead, Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough arrived with the pizza to the group. Studies have shown that Veterans Affairs rejects the vast majority of claims.
washingtonpost.comJon Stewart rips Ted Cruz for rejecting veterans’ burn-pits aid bill
When Cruz (R-Tex.) said Stewart was wrong about the bill and accused Democrats of playing a “budgetary trick” in the PACT Act, which Cruz voted against despite saying he supported the bill and veterans, the comedian wasn’t having it.
washingtonpost.comJon Stewart Expertly Trolls Fox News Viewers While on Fox News
Fox NewsA day after calling out the network for not hosting him to discuss the GOP blocking a veteran’s health care bill, Jon Stewart appeared on Fox News on Friday to assure the conservative cable giant’s viewers that the legislation had no added spending in it.“This bill is utterly and completely focused on veterans’ issues. There is no pork in it. It is a kosher bill. I'd say ‘halal,’ but I know how that might play on this network,” the former Daily Show host slyly quipped at one point.Senate
news.yahoo.comSenate Republicans block bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits weeks after the measure initially sailed through the Senate with 84 votes, angering Democrats, veterans groups and comedian Jon Stewart, a leading proponent to aid the community.
washingtonpost.comWH says opening the Keystone XL pipeline would not offset a Russian oil ban
Responding to questions about whether the U.S. should stop importing Russian oil, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said restarting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline would do nothing to increase oil production in the short term.
news.yahoo.comNew this week: 'Sex and the City,' Juice Wrld and Will Smith
This week’s new entertainment releases include a double album from Alicia Keys and a posthumous one from Juice Wrld, Sandra Bullock playing an ex-con in the Netflix film “The Unforgivable” and Will Smith testing himself in a wildlife documentary series.
Jon Stewart says Dave Chappelle Netflix controversy a result of 'miscommunication,' comic 'not a hurtful guy'
Jon Stewart is putting on his public relations cap in defense of longtime friend, comedian Dave Chappelle, who Stewart is adamant was not trying to be divisive in his latest comedy special, "The Closer."
news.yahoo.comA multimedia impeachment trial: Video takes center stage
Trump's lawyers fully embraced a TikTok defense on Friday, using manipulated video to complain about manipulated video and relying on rapid-fire, repetitive imagery. “The only question one might have is whether they repeated that effectiveness too much.”They also left room for a line of attack for Trump's lawyers. Trump's team found video of participants in the impeachment trial calling past elections into question, even digging back to find a 2005 speech by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In a trial without witnesses, the House managers relied heavily on media reports and interviews. Ultimately, it was a fully modern impeachment trial, with hours spent in video editing rooms likely rivaling the time spent with lawyers.
Jon Stewart speaks out on Reddit-GameStop frenzy in first-ever tweet
Former "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart officially joined Twitter on Thursday and had some thoughts about Reddit-inspired traders who helped spur the meteoric rise in the share price of GameStop this week. "Thanks for the warm welcome! I promise to only use this app in a sporadic and ineffective manner," Stewart tweeted. Thanks for the warm welcome! — Jon Stewart (@jon_actual) January 29, 2021"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert took notice and welcomed him.
cbsnews.comHollywood on the Potomac: A-list turns out for Biden-Harris
Lady Gaga sings the national anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
From Gaga to Garth, Miranda to Moreno: Celebs join inaugural
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)Like so much this past year, the inaugural celebration will be like no other: pared down, distanced, much of it virtual. But for actor Christopher Jackson — the original George Washington in Broadway's “Hamilton" — performing in a virtual “ball” is a way of participating in an essential rite of American democracy. Miranda will contribute a classical recitation, joining musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and Bon Jovi. The inaugural committee has made sure to blend this high-powered list with ordinary Americans and inspiring stories. And the “AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers” celebrated the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with planned participants including actors Kal Penn, John Cho, Kumail Nanjiani and Chloe Bennet.
Biden's Inauguration Day parade to feature stars like Jon Stewart and skateboarding TikTok sensation Nathan Apodaca
Following Mr. Biden's arrival at the White House, there will be a star-studded, though mostly virtual, inaugural parade. The "Parade Across America" will be televised and features popular performers, celebrities and athletes, according to the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Other guests include comedian Jon Stewart and Nathan Apodaca, also known as DoggFace. DoggFace, are set to participate in Mr. Biden's inauguration parade on Wednesday, January 20. Figure skater Kaitlyn Saunders and Olympic athletes including Nathan Chen, Allyson Felix, and Katie Ledecky will also join the celebration.
cbsnews.comAl Pacino, Tina Fey to appear in 'Heroes of New York' lineup
NEW YORK – Al Pacino, Tina Fey and Eli Manning will join a star-studded lineup to celebrate the selfless acts of New Yorkers. Robin Hood and iHeartRadio announced a collaboration Thursday to present “Heroes of New York,” which will air Dec. 1 on television and radio stations in New York. The show will feature musical performances from Mariah Carey, Tony Bennett and Andra Day. Carey will perform a medley, Bennett will sing “Smile” and Day will perform “Silent Night.”Other special guests include Jon Stewart, Kevin Bacon, Mariano Rivera, Michael Strahan, Ryan Seacrest and Tracy Morgan. In May, the New York-based poverty fighting organization, Robin Hood, and iHeartMedia held the “Rise Up New York!” telethon.
Veterans’ fundraiser to go virtual, with a prince and a Boss
This combination photo shows Brad Paisley, from left, Bruce Springsteen and Sheryl Crow who will participate in this years Stand Up for Heroes fundraiser on Nov. 18. The fundraiser, which benefits injured veterans and their families, will also feature comedians including Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Tiffany Haddish, Iliza Shlesinger and Ray Romano. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – This year’s Stand Up for Heroes fundraiser is going virtual for the first time and The Boss will once again be there. Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Tiffany Haddish and Brad Paisley have all signed up to participate — as well as Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for the first time. The fundraiser, which benefits injured veterans and their families, will also feature comedians and musicians including Nate Bargatze, Ronny Chieng, Mickey Guyton, Patti Scialfa, Iliza Shlesinger, Jeannie Gaffigan and Ray Romano.
Jon Stewart will be back in the host's chair for Apple TV+
LOS ANGELES – Jon Stewart is returning to TV, more than five years after bowing out as host of “The Daily Show” and with a new home at Apple TV+. Stewart will host an hour-long, current affairs series that will explore topics of national interest as well as his advocacy work, the streaming service said Tuesday. Each season of the show will have a companion podcast to “continue the discussion,” Apple TV+ said. The platform also has a deal with Stewart and his production company that gives it first shot at other projects. Stewart, writer and director of the recent film “Irresistible" with Steve Carell and Rose Byrne, is also an executive producer for CBS' “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”Stewart will be an executive producer along with host of his new Apple TV+ show, with the title yet to be announced.
Dave Chappelle accepts Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Dave Chappelle accepted the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Sunday. The award is considered the highest accolade in comedy and recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in the vein of 19th-century novelist and essayist Samuel Clemens, or pseudonym, Mark Twain. Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy said in a video tribute Chappelle is the type of person who is "so much smarter than everyone." "Dave is one of the most, maybe the most, intellectual comedian ever," Murphy said. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain award include Richard Pryor, Jonathan Winters, Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Lorne Michaels, Steve Martin, George Carlin, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, Carol Burnett, Bill Murray, David Letterman, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Congress passes 9/11 fund extension championed by Jon Stewart
Comedian Jon Stewart and surviving first responders including John Feal pushed Congress to pass the extension before rewards diminished and the fund expired in 2020. When it became clear the bill would overwhelmingly pass, a group of first responders and Stewart stood and clapped in the visitor's gallery above the Senate floor. Feal said he gave 15 years of his life to the cause and the passage of the bill would change him. In 2011, Congress reactivated the fund and in 2015 reauthorized it for another five years, appropriating $7.4 billion to aid thousands more people. Last week, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, delayed the bill's passage, criticizing Congress for not offsetting its cost by not cutting government spending elsewhere.
Senate votes 97-2 to extend 9/11 victim compensation fund
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate voted Tuesday in favor of a bipartisan bill to ensure a victims' compensation fund related to the September 11 attacks never runs out of money.The announcement came after Democratic Sens. The legislation had 74 Senate co-sponsors, including Gillibrand, and easily passed the House last week The bill extends though 2092 a fund created after the 2001 attacks, essentially making the fund permanent. Gillibrand called the GOP amendments "needless and callous" and predicted they would be easily defeated. His celebrity shone a spotlight on the issue, and his testimony on Capitol Hill ripped lawmakers for failing to fully fund the program. "Even as Stewart worked toward an expeditious solution, some 9/11 victims were not able to see the fruits of his labor.
abc13.comSenate to vote Tuesday on 9/11 victim compensation fund
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate will vote Tuesday on a bipartisan bill to ensure a victims' compensation fund related to the September 11 attacks never runs out of money.The announcement came after Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, both of New York, reached an agreement with Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky to bring up the bill with two amendments sponsored by the GOP senators.Paul and Lee had been blocking a vote . The legislation has 74 Senate co-sponsors, including Gillibrand, and easily passed the House last week The bill would extend though 2092 a fund created after the 2001 attacks, essentially making the fund permanent. "This (upcoming) vote is long overdue," she said at a news conference announcing the bipartisan deal.
abc13.comSenate overwhelmingly passes 9/11 victim fund bill, 97-2
The Senate passed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund through 2092 by a vote of 97-2 according to NBC News, virtually funding health care for 9/11 victims and first responders for life. The bill was approved on Tuesday afternoon, having overwhelmingly passed the House 402-12 on July 12. The fund, created after 9/11 in 2001, distributed over $7 billion to victims and their families through 2004. Funding for the new bill is guaranteed through 2092, essentially providing for 9/11 first responders for life. The bill now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature, who is expected to sign it.
cnbc.comSenate to vote on 9/11 victim compensation fund next week
EMBED >More News Videos Republican Rand Paul and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speak on the Senate floorWASHINGTON, D.C. -- A day after Republican Sen. Rand Paul blocked a vote on it, the Senate has reached an agreement to vote on the House-passed 9/11 victim compensation fund bill next Tuesday.At a news conference on Thursday, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. said it is "so long overdue. The legislation has 74 Senate co-sponsors, including Gillibrand, and easily passed the House last week The bill would extend though 2092 a victims compensation fund created after the 2001 terrorist attacks, essentially making it permanent. ""Finally on the floor this afternoon we worked out an agreement with Senator Lee and Senator Paul. There is nothing that will stop it coming from the floor on Tuesday," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, also of New York, said. And that we will get an overwhelming majority of senators for the vote to pass this bill.
abc13.comRand Paul blocks Senate vote on 9/11 victim compensation fund
The legislation has 74 Senate co-sponsors, including Gillibrand, and easily passed the House last week The bill would extend though 2092 a victims compensation fund created after the 2001 terrorist attacks, essentially making it permanent. The $7.4 billion fund is rapidly being depleted, and administrators recently cut benefit payments by up to 70%. They've had to face the terrifying reality that they are actually going to die because of what they did on 9/11 and the months thereafter. "She and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, also of New York, urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring up the bill as soon as Thursday. He later targeted McConnell for slow-walking a previous version of the legislation and using it as a "political pawn" to get other things done.
abc13.comHundreds of officers honor Luis Alvarez at funeral, detective who fought for 9/11 victims
Hundreds of New York City police officers honored a former detective who fought until his final days for the extension of health benefits for 9/11 first responders. The funeral ceremony for Detective Luis Alvarez, 53, was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria, New York. The casket of retired NYPD detective Luis Alvarez is brought out of Immaculate Conception Church on Wed., July 3, 2019. Luis Alvarez's wife Lainie is joined by other family members as the casket of retired NYPD detective Alvarez is brought out of Immaculate Conception Church. Alvarez was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in the New York City borough of Queens.
cbsnews.com9/11 first responder goes off on Congress
"The chairs that they put their a**** in, the pens that they use, the pads that they write on, we pay for that s***," 9/11 first responder John Feal told reporters after meeting with McConnell. At issue is funding for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which provides health care and services for 9/11 first responders. You could pass this thing as a standalone bill tomorrow," Stewart said appearing on CBS' "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." We will take care of the 9/11 compensation fund." Feal said McConnell used the word "urgency" in the meeting Tuesday and described this meeting as different than previous ones.
Jon Stewart imitates Donald Trump on "Late Show"
On Thursday, NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton urged Congress to renew the Zadroga Act. It benefits first responders who became sick after working at Ground Zero. Among the bill's biggest supporters is Jon Stewart. The comedian made an appearance Thursday night on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” sending another message to lawmakers, this time imitating Donald Trump.
cbsnews.comJon Stewart returns to "Daily Show" for 9/11 first responders bill
Fans of the "Daily Show" saw a familiar face Monday night: former host Jon Stewart. He wasn't there just to tell jokes -- he was also advocating for a bill that will provide healthcare for 9/11 first responders. Scott Pelley has more.
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