Senate Passes Bill to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits During Military Service

Yesterday, the Senate voted to pass a bipartisan legislation to expand health care benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their military service. The final vote on the bill was 86 to 11 and marks the end of a long fight to get the legislation through Congress. Under the bill, health care resources and benefits to those exposed to burn pits will be widely expanded and coverage could be provided for up to 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans. Conditions related to burn pit and toxic exposure will also be added to the Department of Veterans Affairs list of illnesses that have been incurred or exacerbated during military service. The bill called the ‘Honoring Our PACT Act’ was approved by the House of Representatives last month and will now be sent to President Biden’s desk for signature.