Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Care for Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals Clears House

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined a bipartisan majority of the House in supporting passage of the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, bipartisan legislation that will finally uphold America's obligation to support veterans and servicemembers exposed to toxic chemicals during their service.

"Most of us will never fully understand the sacrifices that our servicemembers and their loved ones make during their time in the military," said Congresswoman Trahan. "That's all the more reason for us to step up and do our part to support our veterans when they return home, including ensuring that those exposed to toxic chemicals like burn pits and Agent Orange finally get the care they deserve. Passing the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act is long overdue, and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law so veterans can start accessing these lifesaving resources."

The Honoring Our PACT Act is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation that will make good on our promise by addressing the full gamut of issues impacting toxic exposed veterans' access to earned benefits and care. The Honoring Our PACT Act will:

Open up access to VA health care to 3.5 million post-9/11 combat veterans potentially exposed to deadly toxins.
Grant presumptions of exposure for veterans with rare cancers and other debilitating diseases that have long been linked to toxic chemicals, including burn pits.
Include the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to allow veterans and their loved ones to seek damages related to injuries incurred while serving at Camp Lejeune.

Trahan originally supported the bipartisan legislation when it passed the House earlier this year, but the bill stalled in the Senate until this updated compromise was passed. Passage of the legislation is supported by more than 40 Veterans Service Organizations, including Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Gold Star Wives of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Wounded Warrior Project.

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