Legislation will expand healthcare coverage for 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during service

Statement

Today, Rep. Joe Morelle voted for comprehensive legislation to improve healthcare services for veterans who have been exposed to dangerous toxins in the line of duty. H.R. 3967, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (or Honoring our PACT Act) takes action to treat toxic exposure as a cost of war and ensure veterans have access to the healthcare they need to treat medical conditions stemming from such exposure by addressing the full range of issues impacting toxic-exposed veterans'; including access to earned benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know when we send our servicemembers into harm's way, we make a promise that we will take care of them when they come home," said Congressman Morelle. "Today, I was proud to keep that promise by voting to ensure all veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service can access the essential care and benefits they've earned. I'm proud to support the Honoring Our PACT Act and will continue working to support and uplift our courageous veterans."

"For more than 100 years, combat military personnel have been exposed time and again to toxic chemicals like mustard gas, agent orange and the burn pits in Iraq with devastating long term health effects," Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army Veteran Laura Stradley said. "We applaud Congressman Morelle's efforts to make sure our brave men and women receive the best of care. The passage of the PACT Act is a step in the right direction and absolutely the right thing to do."

The bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act will open up healthcare to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, including burn pits and airborne hazards. It will create presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans. This means that if a veteran served in a particular theatre at a particular time, they will be presumed to be exposed to toxic substances and therefore potentially eligible for healthcare and benefits. Critically, this legislation will also streamline processes within the Department of Veterans Affairs so that veterans can receive the help and support they need in a timely manner.

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