Jon Stewart joins lawmakers to push benefits for vets exposed to toxins

Jon Stewart joined lawmakers to unveil legislation that would make it easier for veterans exposed to toxic substances to access Veterans Affairs benefits.

Comedian Jon Stewart joined lawmakers to unveil broad legislation on Wednesday that would make it easier for veterans exposed to toxic substances to access Veterans Affairs benefits. The announcement comes after Stewart and lawmakers separately announced narrower legislation last month to address burn pit exposure. "They're finally recognizing that the consequence of war is not another line item in the budget that you can ignore," Stewart said at a press conference Wednesday. "You know, to put this in the only terms that somebody of my age can understand, defense contractors can't view the U.S. Congress as Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory while veterans are back there like Oliver with a bowl of gruel asking, 'Please, sir, may I have some more?'" Stewart's involvement in the issue is a continuation of his advocacy for 9/11 first responders and veterans exposed to toxins that he has taken on since leaving "The Daily Show" in 2015.