Over a Million Veterans Benefit from New PACT Act Claims, Biden Announces
In a significant development, President Joe Biden revealed on May 21 that over a million military veterans have had their medical claims approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These claims, related to toxic exposure, are part of the benefits offered under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Biden signed into law in August 2022.
The PACT Act removes previous obstacles for veterans and their families in obtaining approvals for health conditions potentially linked to toxic exposures during military service, such as asthma and cancer.
During military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, waste disposal processes involved burn pits, where various materials were incinerated. Research indicates that the toxic fumes from these pits are connected to respiratory issues and cancers observed in service members.
Another historical concern is Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, which has been linked to cancer and other illnesses in veterans exposed to the chemical.
In a speech delivered in Nashua, New Hampshire, Biden addressed the significance of these developments, stating, “Veterans, you are the solid steel spine of our nation, and that’s not hyperbole. Your families are the courageous heart. Generations of patriots have stood on the frontlines of freedom, each one a link in a chain of honor stretching back to our founding days.”
According to data disclosed by the White House, Wisconsin has seen 16,711 veterans’ claims approved under the PACT Act, with 1,850 veterans enrolling in related VA Health care programs.
Despite its eventual passage, the PACT Act faced some opposition in Congress. While it garnered broad bipartisan support, certain Republicans voted against it, including Rep. Tom Tiffany from Wisconsin, though the rest of the state’s delegation supported the bill.
Remarking on this opposition, Biden stated, “It surprised me anybody voted against it, but a bunch did.”
Public sentiment strongly supports the new legislation. A poll conducted by Data for Progress in June 2022 revealed that 93% of likely voters consider it crucial that the government provides health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Additionally, 93% expressed strong or moderate support for legislation akin to the PACT Act.
This story was originally published by the Wisconsin Independent.
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