WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao voted in support of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act. This comprehensive legislation addresses healthcare, disability compensation, research, and additional resources related to veterans suffering from multiple forms of toxic exposure, including burn pits and herbicides. It also establishes presumptions of service-connection to toxic exposure for multiple veteran groups. 

“Our veterans have made unimaginable sacrifices in defense of our freedom, and it is our duty to provide the highest level of care for these brave men and women,” said Congressman Valadao. “Today I voted yes on this bill because we need to take action to help the millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. While I have concerns about the scope of this legislation, I am encouraged the issue is gaining momentum and the Senate passed a bipartisan bill on toxic exposure earlier this month. I urge Speaker Pelosi to bring the Senate-passed legislation to the House Floor for an immediate vote so the president can sign this bill into law. We must ensure our veterans have access to the benefits they deserve.” 

Background

The military has used burn pits to dispose of waste during operations in areas outside of the United States. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides compensation and healthcare to veterans exposed to burn pits, however veterans must prove their condition is related to exposure and research is still ongoing for many associated medical conditions. Earlier this month the Senate passed a targeted version of this bill, S. 3541 the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, as the first phase of an estimated three-phase approach to help toxic-exposed veterans.

The full text of H.R. 3967 can be found here. 

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