Landmark veterans bill on toxic exposure

I have some incredible news for our veterans: last week, the House passed the historic Honoring Our PACT Act, which will finally address toxic exposure among service members. It now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass and be sent to the President’s desk.

You might remember a message from me a little while back celebrating the passage of this same bill in the House. The legislation had to return to our side of Congress due to a procedural issue, but is now back on track and on its way to becoming law.

Included in the package is my bipartisan Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act, which will help service members suffering from the effects of burn pit exposure get the specialized treatment they deserve.

When Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough recently made a visit to our district, he and I sat down with a few vets for a frank conversation on services and benefits. Burn pit exposure was one of their top concerns, and we got a lot of questions about the PACT Act.

Make no mistake – burn pits are the Agent Orange of the post-9/11 generation of vets, and before this bill becomes law, veterans have had to fight the VA and jump through a ton of hoops just to prove that their health issues might be connected to their exposure to burn pits in combat zones. My bill removes that burden, formally recognizing that those who served near burn pits were exposed to airborne hazards and toxins so that they can get proper care. 

As an Army wife and someone who lived on a military base during three tours in Iraq where burn pits were used, this issue is personal for me, and it has been one of my top priorities in Congress. I first introduced the Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act over a year ago with my Republican colleague and fellow Michigander Rep. Peter Meijer, so this moment has been a long time coming. We’ve been working hard to get it over the finish line, and I can’t wait to see it signed into law this summer!

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin