Washington, DC – Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to send the Honoring Our PACT Act back to the Senate and then the president's desk for his signature. This veterans' healthcare bill will create a presumption of service connection for as many as 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in our armed forces.
"Burn pit exposure is this generation's Agent Orange and is absolutely devastating amongst the most recent generation of veterans," said Rep. Sherrill. "Too many have suffered without adequate or easy access to the healthcare they need and deserve. Today, I proudly stood with a bipartisan coalition of my congressional colleagues to protect those who have put their lives on the line to protect us.
"Once signed into law, this bill will make a fundamental difference in the lives of veterans suffering from cancer and other illnesses related to toxic exposure by streamlining the VA's healthcare processing for these diseases. These changes are long-overdue, and I urge swift implementation once it is signed into law by the president."
The Honoring Our PACT Act will:
Provide healthcare to up to 3.5 million veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits;
Streamline Veteran Affairs' (VA) review process for coverage decision;
Finally concede that there was significant service member exposure to airborne hazards and burn pits;
Require medical exams and opinions for veterans with toxic exposure disability claims;
Establish a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits and airborne hazards exposure;
Create a presumption of exposure to radiation;
Expand Agent Orange exposure & add hypertension and MGUS to the list of presumptions;
Require the VA to provide standardized training & conduct outreach on toxic exposure treatment and preventative measures; and
Improve data collection between VA & Department of Defense and commission studies.
Rep. Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. She now serves on the House Armed Services Committee, where she serves as the Vice Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.
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