Republican Leadership Shift Casts Doubt on Veterans’ Protection Plans
The recent election of South Dakota Senator John Thune as Senate Majority Leader has raised concerns about the future of expanded protections for veterans in 2025. Thune has previously opposed initiatives aimed at assisting veterans affected by toxic burn pit exposure.
Burn pits have been utilized on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan for the disposal of various materials such as plastics, hazardous chemicals, and human waste. Exposure to the fumes from these pits has led to increased incidences of cancer and other health complications among servicemembers.
President Joe Biden prioritized aiding these veterans, driven by personal motives. His son, Beau Biden, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and passed away from brain cancer in 2015 after exposure to burn pits during his deployment in Iraq from 2008 to 2009.
In 2021, Democratic lawmakers proposed the Honoring Our PACT Act, designed to streamline access to healthcare and disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for burn pit victims. The legislation also aimed to enhance benefits for Vietnam War veterans exposed to hazardous chemicals like Agent Orange.
Initially, Thune supported the Honoring Our PACT Act, which passed both the House and Senate with substantial bipartisan backing in June 2022. However, a procedural snag necessitated a re-vote the following month. Thune, along with 24 other Republicans, reversed their positions, resulting in the bill’s failure.
Comedian Jon Stewart, who actively campaigned for the bill’s passage, criticized Thune and the Republicans who changed their votes. “Their constituents are dying,” he asserted. “This is a disgrace.”
Thune explained his opposition was rooted in concerns over the VA’s capacity to handle the increased caseload. He supported a Republican-authored amendment permitting burn pit victims to seek private sector care, but the amendment was not adopted.
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., ranks as Thune’s second-largest financial contributor.
The public backlash following the bill’s initial defeat led to speculation about potential repercussions for Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections. The bill was reintroduced in August, and with Thune’s support, it passed and was subsequently signed into law by President Biden.
On November 13, Senate Republicans chose Thune to succeed Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell as their leader, a position McConnell has held since 2007.
A spokesperson for Thune did not immediately respond to requests for comments on this issue.
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