Jon Gives An Inside Look Into The Passing Of The PACT Act | The Problem With Jon Stewart Podcast 

Can we start a petition to get Jon, and all the advocates he's been working with, Presidential Medals of Freedom!? This man has spent TWO DECADES advocating for combat veterans and 9/11 first responders. I can't think of a group of people more deserving.

Jon, thank you. I'm a retired combat medic from Oklahoma. I served in Iraq and I have brain lesions. I really appreciate what you have done for us.

Congress didn't pass the PACT act. Jon did. Republicans thought that they can slip it past us, but Jon called them out on their BS and would not let the issue just fade away Well done Jon This is what it means to support the troops, not awarding billion dollar contracts to military contractors to build tanks that we don't even need

I’m a Marine Corps combat veteran. Breathed in the crap from the burn pits in my deployments. Had a buddy who got cancer, probably from the pit. So, this hits close to home. Thank you for fighting for us, Jon!

My brother-in-law served in Afghanistan, and I’ve seen the toll it’s taken on him and how hard he and my sister have had to fight to get the VA to take care of him. Thank you Jon, and everyone who worked with you for this.

I can't help but think you are the reason this Act passed, Jon.

My Dad passed away in 2012 from cancer. He filed a claim with the VA before he passed away because we believed he developed the cancer from agent orange exposure during the Vietnam War. His claim has been denied multiple times in the last ten years. Because of this bill, my Mom has a chance to get financial support. It gives me hope. To say it is humbling to hear everyone's stories is an understatement. I thought my Dad's case was rare, but it is truly astounding to learn he is a part of a community that has been denied healthcare and financial support from the government. I wish everyone the best of luck in filing their claims. I hope you and your loved ones get the justice you deserve.

Jon you are the reason the PACT passed. You called out the BS. You named those who didn’t support it and embarrassed them. Way to go! We need to do that every time the GOP plays the obstruction game. Thank you for all you do to support the veterans.

I called and called and called to all the dumb lawmakers that voted against the PACT ACT. "They don't deserve to work in such a nice building " Thanks Jon 👍

I didn't know that people committed suicide after the Act didn't pass in the senate. That's heartbreaking and infuriating. 😟😡

12:49 "It's incredible how effective injustice is at creating community." Well said Kasaun Wilson

My brother died of cancer caused by the burn pits in his 2 tours in Iraq. 25 years after he left Viet Nam, my father received acknowledgement of and benefits for his injuries caused by Agent Orange exposure. I broke down and wept when I saw this video. God bless you, John Stewart.

As a disabled Vet, thank you, Jon Stewart. Seriously... damn fine work, Sir.

Jon demonstrates what it means to “support the troops”. Some talk, he ACTS. As brave as all our brothers who have done America’s bidding. Than you Jon, for YOUR service!

I’m a veteran and give much respect to Jon for doing this. I was never a fan of the daily show but I feel comfortable saying that this man literally saved people lives in getting this done.

Thank you! As an ICU nurse who worked decades in VA MICU, thank you! I held veterans dying from exposures. I watched as lungs failed, yet they were denied full benefits. I saw young men and women die from Cancers. I personally know Veterans who sucked bad air in Kuwait & came back with pulmonary function of 80yr olds when they were 30 and have since died. I called one of my dear friends to tell her her husband would be covered. She said not they had denied him. I told her YOU made the difference. He needs to make appt with his PCP, because now he can be covered. I live in TEXAS, where 2 decades of Republican Jim Crow 2 Laws are eroding our freedoms. YOU are saving our Lives. Thank you!

Words cannot express my gratitude,for what you did for the Veterans.Jon you are a awesome human being!God bless you and your family!

So it turns out that people with absolutely no shame can be shamed. This is historic in itself ! The responsibility and empathy you feel is what makes you so important. Many people who have a 'voice' do not use it as ferociously as you do and sadly we need people like you in these times. Take care of yourself Jon.. the next fight is around the corner. Much love and respect

This was amazing to watch. I’m glad the bill passed. I’m even more grateful that we have people like John Stewart and his crew to shed light on these injustices that could have easily been swept under the rug by American capitalism and the Republicans that blindly defend it.

Make no mistake, this is a sad, sad victory. The government doing the bare minimum for their own people they wronged for a war, in the wrong country from the people who attacked us; a war that nobody asked for and wasn't needed in any conceivable way - this is not a victory. It's a terrible loss, only now, slightly less terrible. Thank you for your work, everyone.

These veterans gave everything to keep us safe and it literally took an act of Congress for us to do the very least we could do. Those senators trying to hold the moral high ground while denying vets the funds for crucial medical care are pathetic and weak. Thank God people like Jon and John Feal exist.

It makes me incredibly sad that something like this, which is obviously the right thing to do and honestly should be low hanging fruit as far as legislation goes, took this much effort and energy to pass. But on the flip side I'm so happy for these families who will finally get some measure of relief as they try to heal from the mental and physical wounds they suffered while serving the rest of us. Thanks for everything you do, Jon and staff. This show and this work are sorely needed these days, please take a moment to feel good about that and be proud of what you have done and continue to do.

Sitting here, watching this, as a young Canadian, I can't help but start sobbing at the injustice that these people have faced. Thank you and your team for helping these people represent, and get their word out, and get this bill passed. You are all unsung heroes, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

So glad this passed. I haven’t met a person who doesn’t support our troops. You don’t have to like the wars, but our troops pledged their literal lives to all of us. I felt your rage Mr. Stewart. Thank you for being out there, fighting for the vets. It’s not enough, I know. Our vets shouldn’t have to want or fight for any of their health care. I expect our taxes to pay for everything from chemo to bandaids. This is a step in the right direction. Thank you.

Isn't it scary how if it wasn't for Jon Stewart as a vocal and known advocate, our veterans and 9/11 first responders would still be fighting uphill battles for healthcare?

Wow. 70 yrs in the making. Yes! They are real people! People who gave their lives for others, and survived. They deserve every resource to reach their greatest potential.

Hi! Jon, Pat Tommey is just Despicable!!! He is my Senator and I can't wait for John Fetterman!!! Thanks for all your hard work on this and 911 bills!!!!

My Dad who is on SSDI: "Mandatory spending is a slush fund!" Me a disabled veteran: "All VA spending and your SSDI are mandatory spending. Tell me what was your heroic act that makes you deserving of it and not our heroes?"

Jon is a hero. I've never seen someone fight for us Vets like that. I've got you Jon!

It shouldn't have to take a celebrity with the tenacity of a wolverine, to raise hell over and over and over to get a bill like this to help us veterans. I'm glad this bill passed for my brothers and sisters in arms, but I am equally furious to the games that were played by politicians like we were pawns this whole time. I would expect that while I was actively serving, I didn't like it but I expected it. I didn't expect that when we were out and suffering from health problems from our time in service. I enjoyed Mr Stewart as an entertained since he was on MTV on the Jon Stewart show, his time on Short Attention Span Theater on Comedy Central, and his time on the Daily Show. I always wanted to thank him in person for the years of entertainment he gave us. But that is nothing to how much I want to thank him for fighting for veterans and first responders like he has the past several years. He shouldn't have to do what he has been doing, and there are 2 great bills that probably only passed because of his direct actions. But I am immensely thankful that he did.

For an Iraq war veteran in Indiana, THANK YOU SO MUCH Jon!!!!! Thank you for shining such a huge spotlight on the hypocrisy and bullshit they tried to pull and not let these assholes screw us. You are my hero!!

The PACT Act, passed!! ✊ And I'm not even American, or a veteran. That's how much Jon made me care about it.

A personal thank you to Jon. I'm one of the vets you have fought for. Sir, you are a hero!

Thank you Jon for doing what tv media fails time and time again to do...

Being a cancer survivor, I feel for all the military service people who are suffering. You're all in my prayers. Congratulations.

Thank you for all of your help and as a veteran who was homeported in Guam in the early 70's. I saw the barrels of herbicides and was enveloped in the spray from the toxic herbicides 4 times while working topside on the ship while tied up at the dock. I have had very serious cancer issues several times in the past few years and I didn't think we would win in my lifetime.

Jon has such a big heart. Jon has the signs of an empath, he gets drained helping, puts his heart n soul into helping these forgotten victims. And my God, it’s devastating those two vets committed suicide after Toomey made the bill fail. Do they even have a clue? Suggestion; Jon if you could send Toomey the obituaries and related material, let him know what he did. I know you are too kind hearted probably to write an oped about it. I truly think you are a gift. We love you! Thank to your teammates too for brightening the vet’s day. ♥️ 😌

Congrats Jon, so appreciate you and crew helping out the vets!!

If in my life I ever get the chance to meet John Stewart, I can't help but think that I would cry, not because he's such a celebrity, but because if his help and support of the veterans in the US. I'm a American citizen but also Canadian, and my son is in the Canadian Forces. As a mother of a soldier I thank you for your help.

So impressed with Jon Stewart. Such a powerful demonstration of the first amendment to get stuff done in the country. Amazing. He used his *first amendment* beautifully

Jon Stewart... I've watched you for a long time man. You're existence on this small little marble we all live on has had an impact. You have helped people, you have inspired people and you have made those people that mean to hurt us think twice. Thank you for being you.

Thanks for helping our Vets Jon and company. As someone with stage 4 brain melanoma and lives by 3 month scans, I understand the burden of health care cost. Cancer is SO expensive even WITH health insurance!!! Where's our debt relief??!! God bless you all and God bless our Vets!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo PS thanks for ALL you and your wife do for animals.... I want to go to there someday is a dream.. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox Sharon Mickey, Wimberley Texas :)

I learned so much on the capitol steps alongside veterans whose names and stories I'll never forget. It was incredible to be a part of a grassroots movement as it took action, and I'm honored to have been there at all. When the plane landed at MSP and I read the news, I practically jumped. I only wish I could've seen everyone's faces. This is only the beginning for vets suffering from their afflictions, but it's another step towards giving our vets the treatment they were promised. This will get lost in the comments, but if anyone sees it, thank you Jon for fighting this fight, and I'm proud to have been a part of it, if only for a moment.

This Veteran thanks you Jon. I stirred a few burn barrels and pits in Iraq in 2003. It wasn't pleasant let me tell you... You will always have a supporter in me. Thank you.

This is the best news of 2022 thanks to Jon and the organizers and people who stayed with it to its correction. Thank you ❤

They have innocent blood on their hands because of those two suicides. Thank you Jon.

When Jon talked about feeling responsible, it reminded of what Colbert said when he got the Twain Prize - "Jon's sideline is recreational anxiety. It's his super power. Instead of a radioactive spider, he was bitten by a clinically depressed squirrel. "

My grandfather served in WW2. He lived to be 96. Nothing was wrong with him until the effects of the asbestos from him working the coast guard messed up his lungs. He died this past January.

Thank you Jon Stewart for your sympathize and passionate commitment to the veterans affairs; you're truly a humanitarian activist.

Bravo Jon Stewart. And Bravo to all our brave veterans. So glad this got passed, and I'm so sorry that our country has failed them this far.

As a vet I want to thank Jon for his work with the PACT Act. Thank you, Sir.

Jon Stewart, my late husband Jack Carpenter depended on you for the truth about the state of our Union for the last 10 years of his life. He passed in 2016, on the day his ballot for the Presidential election arrived in the mail: had he lived long enough to experience the outcome of said election, it more than likely would have killed him. Either way, i am sincere, and deadly serious, when i ask you to consider running for the office of President of these United States of America. Which is like asking a man to be willing to be incessantly abused by everyone. And love it. Thank you, Jon Stewart, for everything you have done, and will do. Sincerely, Lisa Owen-Nielson, American

Congrats Jon and to the rest of the team/s who have worked so hard to bring this about and to the Vets, who so desperately needed this.

What a fantastic win for Veteran rights, justifiably so. Never seen this PodCast....great chemistry.

Jon must be protected at all costs! He has a heart for the people!!

Jon Stewart, you are a National Treasure and an amazing person. Thank you for standing up for veterans and first responders. You are the man! Thank you

I’m a veteran and a Republican that’s changing my political affiliation to independent today. I’m so done with both political parties. I have begun to hate the goddamn government I once served!

THANK YOU JON for believing in the Vets! Your help is meaningful to a grateful Nation. Your speeches were very inspiring.

HERO!!!!!!!! JOHN IS A HERO!!!!!!! IT IS SAID THAT WITHOUT THE HERO WE WOULDN'T KNOW HOW FAR WE COULD GO!! GOD BLESS YOU JOHN.

You have helped save lives and given comfort. No greater praise can be given.

As a Veteran myself, thank you John! I do not have issues with burn pit ailments, thankfully, but many of my fellow veterans do! Thank you for taking a stand with us!

Jon can't be bought. He doesn't need your money. He doesn't need fame. He already stood on that mountain top. When he's fighting for something he's passionate about it's because it's the right thing to do. If you find yourself on the opposite side of an issue he's championing then you may want to double take.

A huge thank you to Jon, all of the Vets and everyone that got out to fight for the PACT bill. Long overdue.

To all our brave, amazing soldiers, we love you! 🙏

On one hand Jon Stewart is not what I imagine when I think of a good candidate for president... on the other hand I can't think of anyone better. He may not be as experienced or connected, but he's certainly more competent, has backbone, not corrupt, and he actually cares.

Much respect Jon for doing the right thing!

Jon, As someone who had friends and family who have died as a result of illnesses from both the burn pits and from responding to 9/11, I greatly appreciate everything you have done to help these people. You are an amazing human being and have my utmost respect. It is a tragedy the people that have been elected can't even do the bare minimum for the people without being shamed into it, but have no problem with giving hundreds of billions to greedy corporations through tax breaks or giving out contracts with no accountability. It makes me sick and ashamed to be an American. I think another major topic, that relates back into your previous podcasts on racism as well as having to do with Veterans, is the legality of cannabis and why we can't seem to get movement on legalization at the federal level. This would be an interesting topic to see an episode or two of "The Problem With..." cover. With over 3/4ths of the country having medical cannabis programs and ~18 states having adult recreational use at the state level, the Federal government is too far behind and needs a swift kick in the ass. The first thing the Biden Administration could do is ask the FDA to reschedule. Cannabis is a schedule 1, which has no accepted medical use, but with ~38 states having a medical program, that is clearly a false statement today. After rescheduling and giving doctors the ability to prescribe nationally, it would help not only every day citizens, but it would also lift the barriers for the VA to prescribe it to Veterans to help with symptoms of PTSD. It would also lift the barriers that prevent research and allow for studies as well as coming up with a way to determine impairment as urine tests will show it in your system for months based on use. Decriminalization, regulation, and judicial expunging can follow.

"They don't deserve to work in such a nice building." Somebody should make a T-Shirt with Jon's quote, referring the unethical lawmakers, (Thanks for the reminder Benjamin Wight).

Thank you for fighting so hard to help these veterans, I hope this gives them the strength to kick cancer’s ass.

🙏 As someone that has a hard time spending more than 5 minutes watching I can only say...I watched the whole thing. Inspiring.

Thanks to Jon for all those who served and fought for us.

Thank you, Jon. I am a disabled vet that served in OIF and I appreciate your hard work for all vets that were exposed.

I won't call Jon a hero because, we know how that turns out, but I will call him a god amongst us mere mortals! Thank you is all I can muster knowing that he deserves so much more.

Jon, you can swear all you want so long as you handle yourself as an empathetic human being and fight to take care of other humans. Thank you 💜

Well guys, from a german perpective, you are hurting so much over there. Those veterans, and i dont want to deminish this, are but one example. Ever since I got interested in US politics (how tf got t**** elected) I am rooting for you guys, for all of our sakes, because if you prove that democracy can win against populistic pressure, its a signal for all of us! So keep fighting the good fight!

We need to call out every Senator who voted for "the war on Terror" and voted against the PACT act.

Jon, you are a great man for doing what you did for us veterans!!!!! I agree with what Erik below stated you and all advocates deserve the Presidential Medal of Freedom!!!!

Thank you for standing by all veterans injured by the burn 🔥 pits. Your determination and tenacity gave a breath of fresh air to all those veterans. No pun in tended.

Dear Mr Stewart, I can say without a doubt America owes you big for many things and I mean many things, but this is monumental and it is Historical and I Salute you Sir! THANK YOU!

As an Iraq Vet, Thank you so much for your hard work. I truly appreciate your energy and passion… Wouldn’t it be nice if all our elected officials would be as thoughtful and passionate about serving the American people? Jon; Thank you, thank you, thank you!

As a PA resident, I am happy I won't have to say "Fuck Pat Toomey" much longer. Hopefully we can send Fetterman in to reverse course.

I'm a Marine Corps and Army vet, thank you Jon Stewart for actually giving a shit. Update: oh fuck! I didn't know it passed, last I heard it didn't. Wow!

Talk about walking the walk... Much RESPECT to John and all those who made this happen. We all talk the talk, but they stepped up. One love!

Thanks John for helping get this over the line. It was disturbing to find out that the burn pits happened because of private contractors being too greedy to dispose of the waste properly. This aspect needs to be further investigated, brought to light and they need to be held accountable. I remember in your segment Leroy had the graciousness to include the Iraqis and Afghans who had been affected as well. The greed of these private contractors has to be checked and the military has to have have better mandated standards and to understand that privatization is the worst idea and corrupt feeding trough ever.

Thank you for REALLY caring! You are the best Jon!!!!!

Jon thanks for all you do to bring the attention to these issues that they deserve. You show shame can still be used as a powerful tool to get things done.

Thanks to Jon Stewart and the voting citizens in Kansas I have renewed optimism that we may manage to overcome the nightmare of these last 7 years. Jon Stewart, thank you for suiting up and showing up. I am forever grateful.

As a 100% Disabled veteran rated by the VA for PTSD I can say that Jon Stewart is a ReaL American Hero!

John is a hero to our heroes!!! God bless John and our Veterans!! Thank you for your hard work and thank you to our Veterans for your service!!

Jon is a real, authentic human being with a real heart. The next time we Americans elect a celebrity to the presidency, let it be Jon Stewart.

My father passed last year from ALS. we fought for years to get acknowledgement that my father was exposed to Agent Orange and other chems in Viet Nam. They denied my father was even at a location that didn't exist on a map, then acknowledged he was there (pics he had of the base sign helps), but then said nothing was in that area. Then said, well maybe there was some chems there, to finally admitting it. Did he ever see anything or get the care he needed no. One day our govt won't be cowards and admit the correlations are there (30% more Vets get ALS then any other group), either through trauma or exposure. This is more than burn pits, as you stated John, we have soldiers standing the shoulders of others fighting this disgrace for decades, please keep up the fight!

I absolutely love everyone that works on this show. Jon seems to be a master at finding and cultivating incredible people. So great to hear all of this and to see how all three of them have been impacted and changed by it all.

Thank you for everything. I have so many conditions that it makes living hard that i got while in Afghanistan. I keep going for my kids and wife. It’s tough hearing there isn’t much the VA can do but treat the symptoms. I hang in there but the pact act will help all veterans. Thank you

Dear Jon you have been an inspiration over the last 20 years….you are truly someone ppl would want to follow and emulate..a side note - I came all the way from India to your rally to restore sanity at the Washington Mall back in 2010!

Thank you for your non-stop efforts for these precious veterans.

Jon, You are the kind of hero we are not okay sacrificing. It's disgusting that we need people like you to get our lawmakers to do what seems like absolutely the most obvious part of their job, but thank you for making it happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

God bless you, Jon Stewart for fighting so hard for the 9/11 folks and our Veterans. America needs more people like you! ❤

I'm a social worker and that explanation at 25:53-27:40 is my work experience. Thank you for grinding.

Jon and team, I can't tell you how grateful I am that you all got this win. My grandfather was attacked by President Hoover and the standing Army during the Bonus March, and he wound up passing away several years later due to dry-drowning from the damage done to his lungs when he was hit with a German gas attack. As a German immigrant himself, the Army made him change his name so it wouldn't be too "German" when he enlisted to fight the German's overseas, and then when the WW1 vets asked to receive their oversees war bonus a little early to help offset the Great Depression, President Hoover not only said, "No." , but sent the standing Army out to attack the WW1 vet protestors. Thank you for tirelessly fighting for these vets and their families. Your dedication will never be forgotten.

I love you guys, Jon, you Mensch, Shalom. We are honored by your drive and determination, I was impressed by you standing there like a hornet at the completely callous republicans.