Today,Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township), voted to send S.3373, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act to President Biden’s desk. The PACT Act included Congressman Levin’s provision to ensure that toxic-exposed veterans’ mental health conditions are considered when determining whether their illnesses are service-connected. The bill passed the House by a vote of 342-88.

“I couldn’t be more grateful that President Biden will sign my amendment to enhance protections for veterans’ mental health into law. Since my first term in Congress, I’ve made it a priority to center veterans’ needs in my legislative agenda. I’m forever indebted to the veterans in Michigan and across the country who sacrificed so much to protect our nation. However, we must do more than thank veterans with our words—we must act. 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 sends a clear message to Americans signing up to serve our country that that their mental health matters just as much as their physical health. Thank you to Chairman Mark Takano for his important work on this effort.”

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 including from 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).

Original source can be found here.