One day after comedian Jon Stewart publicly criticized and embarrassed members of Congress, those lawmakers voted to replenish the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
The House Judiciary Committee approved the legislation that would permanently fund it.
Few lawmakers attended Tuesday's hearing, but members of Congress say they're confident the bill will pass.
“All responders and survivors, whether they got sick in 2015 or will get sick in 2025 or 2035, should be properly compensated. Congress must act to make that happen,” says Committee chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler.
The fund helps pay for the medical bills of first responders who helped out at Ground Zero following the attack. Many have developed lung ailments, cancer and other health issues.
The fund was last renewed in 2015 and is set to expire in December 2020.
The measure now moves to the full chamber.