Today, Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township), voted to pass H.R. 3967, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which passed the House by a vote of 256-174. The PACT Act included Congressman Levin's provision to expand the definition of illness to include mental health conditions.
"I'm forever grateful to veterans in Michigan and across the country who sacrificed so much to protect our country. We must do more than thank veterans with our words—action must follow. The Honoring our PACT Act takes a long overdue step to ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service can access the care and benefits they've earned," said Congressman Levin. "My amendment makes certain that Americans signing up to serve their country know that their mental health matters as much as their physical health. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano for his important work on this effort."
"We ask so much of our servicemembers today. As a member of Congress, it is my solemn duty to ensure that those who sign up to serve aren't sent to war unless it is absolutely essential," continued Congressman Levin. "Unfortunately, while at war, too many men and women have not only faced danger in combat, but have also faced exposure to toxic substances that impact them for the rest of their lives. The least we can do is do whatever it takes to care for them when they come home."
The Honoring our PACT Act is a comprehensive legislative package that will open up health care to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service and finally concede exposure to 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 health care and benefits.
The Honoring our PACT Act is overwhelmingly supported by the veteran community, including Burn Pits 360 and 42 Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion (TAL), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) and Minority Veterans of America (MVA).
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-veterans-mental-health-measure-passes-house
