Maloney Votes to Improve Care for Veterans Impacted by Burn Pits

Statement

Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted to support our troops and improve care for those impacted by burn pits and other toxic exposures by passing H.R. 3967, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This legislation will ensure veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters where burn pits were used at American military bases will receive full and comprehensive health care. Military burn pits used overseas exposed servicemembers to hazardous fumes as a result of open-air burning of plastics, munitions, human waste, chemicals, and other substances and materials.

"America's veterans put their lives on the line to protect our great nation and we owe each and every veteran the best care possible. Tragically, we know now that thousands of servicemen and women were put at risk of cancer and other serious medical conditions because of exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards during their service," said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. "I am proud to vote for the Honoring our PACT Act, which will ensure our veterans impacted by burn pits and other hazards are able to easily get the care they deserve and that the VA undertakes studies to better protect our troops in the future."

"Thank you, Congressman Maloney, for your continuing support of our nation's Veterans," said Bob Browning, Stewart Air National Guard Restoration Advisory Board Member, Rep. Maloney's Veterans Advisory Board Member, and local veteran -- Airman 1st Class, 1962-1966. "Your support of the Honoring our PACT Act is important to me and thousands of other Veterans who have or might have medical conditions linked to their service to their country."

"This is such an important piece of legislation," said Edie Meeks, Board of Directors for the National Purple Heart Honor Mission and local veteran -- 1st Lt. Army Nurse Corps, Vietnam 1968-1969. "I believe it is the responsibility of the people of the United States to take care of our soldiers during and after service. They have put their lives and time on the line to protect us. They should never have to beg for physical or emotional care. It is our moral and ethical responsibility to care for our Warriors."

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