Across The United States, Senate Democrats And President Biden Celebrate The One Year Anniversary Of The PACT Act
One year ago, President Biden signed the PACT Act, historic legislation to provide health care to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits in the line of service, into law. Since then over 300,000 of our nations’ veterans and their families have benefitted from these critical services and over 4 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure conditions. This state work period, Senate Democrats are spreading the word about the PACT Act, discussing how to continue getting benefits to those in need, and celebrating the one year anniversary of this hard-fought veterans’ health care legislation.
“Senate Democrats stood together to pass this bill to make sure that veterans who got sick from toxic exposure they endured in the line of duty get the health care they need and deserve,” said Leader Schumer. “On the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the PACT Act into law, I am proud of the impact this historic legislation is already making for our nation’s veterans and their families. Veterans across the country are finally get the dignity and care they deserve”
Fox 17 West Michigan: Sen. Peters kicks off motorcycle tour, marks 1 year of PACT Act. “U.S. Senator Gary Peters kicked off his annual motorcycle tour with local veterans and leaders in veteran services. It marks the one-year anniversary of the historic PACT Act, which has delivered VA healthcare and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans— and their survivors— for the first time in our nation’s history.” [Fox 17, 8/9/23]
Northwest News Radio: “US Senator Patty Murray will get a brief tour of the Seattle veterans administration medical center this afternoon, after that the Democrat will hold a round table discussion on the implementation of the PACT Act the largest expansion in veterans' healthcare in decades.” [Northwest News Radio, 8/9/23]
Senator Murray Hosts Roundtable on PACT Act Implementation at VA Puget Sound, Discusses the Need to Expand Veterans’ Health Care Benefits and Access. “Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, hosted a roundtable with local veterans, Veteran Service Organization representatives, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials to discuss the implementation of the PACT Act, legislation Murray helped pass that is the largest expansion in veterans’ health care in decades.” [Press Release, 8/9/23]
Nashua Telegraph: Shaheen Hosts Panel Discussion Highlighting PACT Act's One-Year Anniversary of Becoming Law. “This week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a panel discussion highlighting the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act becoming law. As part of the conversation, the panel discussed success stories and challenges and acknowledged the work that lies ahead.” [Nashua Telegraph, 8/9/23]
WCAX: Hassan hosts roundtable for 1-year anniversary of PACT Act. “New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan is hosting a roundtable to mark the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act. She says throughout the year in the Granite State, more than 2,000 PACT Act-related disability claims were filed. Thursday’s roundtable will discuss what the law has done so far, and how to keep spreading the word about the health care and benefits.” [WCAX, 8/10/23]
Sen. Kelly Talks Jobs, Infrastructure, and More in Stops Around Arizona. “Kelly hosted a veterans health care informational session in Phoenix to help veterans learn more about PACT Act benefits. The Kelly-backed Honoring Our PACT Act expands VA health care eligibility for generations of veterans exposed to toxic substances and burn pits — one of the largest expansions in health care benefits in VA history. “ [Press Release, 8/9/23]
Sun Journal: Veterans returning from deployment asked to get toxic exposure screening. “U.S. Secretary for Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough visited the new Rumford VA Clinic on Thursday and urged veterans to get screened for toxic exposure under a recently passed federal law. The purpose of the visit was to celebrate the progress made since last year’s enactment of The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act.” … “U.S. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Lewiston Democrat representing the 2nd Congressional District, hosted McDonough at the clinic.” [Sun Journal, 8/3/23]
WTNH New Haven: “‘Get screened and if you know a veteran get them screened because prevention is the way to help our veterans.’ That's the message from Connecticut senator Richard Blumenthal on the one year anniversary of land mark legislation that a lot of vets haven't applied for or don't know about.” [Press Conference, 8/9/23]
WMDT: Sen. Carper Highlights VA Deadline For Vets Exposed To Toxic Chemicals. “Delaware Senator Tom Carper is urging all eligible veterans to enroll in PACT Act before an August 9th deadline that could limit potential healthcare coverage.” … “‘For a number of years they didn’t get much help, much attention, but they are getting it now, there is a deadline on August 9th, that we want our veterans those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq who were exposed to toxins in burn pits to apply,’ Senator Carper said adding ‘they might be eligible for help and if you are you will get it right away.’” [WMDT, 8/5/23]
8 News Now: Over 10K Veteran Claims Received For Newly-Covered Toxic Exposures. “Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen orchestrated the Thursday roundtable and encourages those who were declined certain claims before the PACT Act was signed to reapply. ‘At the Nevada test site years back, we had above-ground nuclear tests. So, there could be radiation exposure,’ Rosen said after the roundtable. ‘You can continue to apply and you should continue to apply.’” [8 News Now, 8/3/23]
Sen. Tammy Baldwin @SenatorBaldwin: One year ago today, the PACT Act was signed into law. Since then, we have done right by our veterans and delivered them the long-overdue benefits and care they have rightfully earned. LINK
Sen. Michael Bennet @SenatorBennet: One year ago, the PACT Act was signed into law, marking the largest expansion of veteran health care benefits in decades. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and I'll continue working to help them access the care and benefits they've earned. LINK
Sen. Cory Booker @SenBooker: As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the landmark #PACTAct into law, here’s another reminder to veterans and survivors to file a claim or an “intent to file” for one year of retroactive PACT benefits by today, August 9th: http://VA.gov/PACT LINK
Sen. Brown @SenSherrodBrown: As we celebrate the anniversary of the #PACTAct becoming law, I wanted to reflect on how we got here. In 2017, I met @SusanZeier, the mother-in-law of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson — an Ohioan who served in Iraq. LINK
Sen. Cantwell @SenatorCantwell: Thanks to the PACT Act, 18,457 veterans in the State of Washington have submitted PACT Act-related claims to receive long overdue benefits. Toxic-exposed veterans and survivors are encouraged to learn more at http://VA.gov/PACT. #PACTAnniversary LINK
Sen. Casey @SenBobCasey: We can never repay our debt to our veterans, but the least we can do is ensure they have the health care they need once they come home. One year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act to expand coverage for veterans exposed to toxic substances. LINK
Sen. Chris Coons @ChrisCoons: Thanks to the PACT Act, over 2,200 veterans in Delaware have submitted PACT Act-related claims to receive long overdue benefits. Toxic-exposed veterans and survivors are encouraged to learn more and apply today at http://VA.gov/PACT. LINK
Sen. Duckworth @SenDuckworth: One year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act into law and our nation finally took action to help ensure toxic-exposed Veterans can access the healthcare they earned and deserve. While this was important progress, I know our work to help expand healthcare access is far from over. LINK
Sen. Durbin @SenatorDurbin It has been one year since the #PACTAct has become law, and it’s already delivering:
- 4M+ vets screened for toxic exposure conditions
- 744,000+ PACT Act claims filed
-Hundreds of thousands approved for expanded benefits LINK
Sen. Gillibrand @GillibrandNY: One year ago today, @POTUS signed the #PACTAct into law. In just one year, over 4 million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure, and hundreds of thousands of claims have been approved. Veterans are finally getting the care they were promised. LINK
Sen. Klobuchar @SenAmyKlobuchar: One year ago today, the PACT Act was signed into law - historic legislation to make sure that the brave servicemembers and veterans who were exposed to burn pits & toxic substances while serving our nation get the care they need. To all those who never gave up on this: thank you. LINK
Sen. Bob Menendez @SenatorMenendez: Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act! This landmark law expanded @DeptVetAffairs health care benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. I was honored to stand by those who stood for us and proudly vote for its passage. LINK
Sen. Reed @SenJackReed: When @POTUS signed the #PACTact into law on this day last year, we took a serious step forward in fulfilling our moral obligation to care for our veterans in need w/ the largest expansion of @DeptVetAffairs in recent history. #PACTanniversary LINK
Sen. Tina Smith @SenTinaSmith: Last year we passed the PACT Act to fulfill our obligation to veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving our country. Actions speak louder than words — legislation like the PACT Act is how we can truly thank our veterans for their sacrifices. LINK
Sen. Tester @SenatorTester: It's been one year since the PACT Act was signed into law to finally do right by generations of toxic-exposed veterans. Now, hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families are receiving the health care and benefits they earned. LINK
Sen. Chris Van Hollen @ChrisVanHollen: Since the PACT Act was signed into law on this day last year, millions of veterans have received screenings for toxic exposures. We must always be there for those who serve in uniform and put themselves at risk for our country. LINK
Sen. Warren @SenWarren: A year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act, finally giving veterans exposed to harmful chemicals the care they deserve. Since becoming law, 4 million+ vets have been screened for toxic exposure conditions & thousands approved for more benefits. I was proud to fight for this bill. LINK
Sen. Peter Welch @PeterWelch: One year ago, we overcame Republican obstruction to pass the PACT Act into law and give veterans the benefits they deserve. In just one year, more than 350,000 PACT Act-related claims from veterans and survivors have been approved. Here’s to many more. LINK
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