(CNN) Former late night host and 9/11 first responders advocate Jon Stewart choked up Tuesday while slamming Congress over health care for responders to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"As I sit here today, I can't help but think, what an incredible metaphor this room is for the entire process that getting health care and benefits for 9/11 first responders has come to," Stewart said during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on reauthorizing the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Many lawmakers on the panel did not show up for the hearing, leaving the committee room mostly empty.

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"Behind me, a filled room of 9/11 first responders, and in front of me, a nearly empty Congress," Stewart said.

He slammed those absent members of Congress for disrespecting the personal sacrifice that former 9/11 first responders made to appear before them.

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