Republican Rep. David Schweikert claims he is pro-veteran but when he had the chance to improve the care provided to American servicemen and women exposed to toxic chemicals and other dangers, he voted no. Again, Schweikert has opted to block legislation instead of pass it.
Luckily, House Democrats passed the Honoring our PACT Act despite Schweikert’s opposition. The bipartisan bill is the most ambitious legislation targeting military toxic exposure since the Vietnam War and is supported by 11 veterans service organizations.
The Honoring Our PACT Act will:
- Provide health care to as many as 3.5 million veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits.
- Automatically qualify veterans with specified conditions from toxic exposure for VA health care and disability benefits.
- Streamline the VA’s review process and require standardized training & conduct outreach
"We must all honor and respect the sacrifices made by our veterans. They are the best of us," said Ginger Sykes Torres, "To not support something as common-sense as ensuring they have access to health care is shameful. Schweikert is as toxic as the chemicals our veterans are suffering from. It is time for new leadership."
Original source can be found here.
