After Senate Republicans abruptly rejected the PACT Act, a widely-supported bipartisan bill that would have provided medical care for millions of combatants exposed to toxic burn pits during their service, blindsided veterans exploded in wrath and indignation on Thursday.
The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act), which was passed by the House, was widely anticipated to be signed into law by the president.
But on Wednesday night, 41 Senate Republicans—including 25 who had previously supported the bill—blocked its passage, shocking and perplexing veteran organizations.
More than 3.5 million post-9/11 combat veterans who were exposed to toxins while serving in the military would now be eligible for VA health treatment under the PACT Act.
More than 3.5 million war veterans who served after September 11 and were exposed to toxins would now be eligible for VA health care under the PACT Act.
The initial bill was approved 84–14 by the Senate in June. When it proceeded to the House, it received a few minor revisions and passed by a vote of 342-88. The measure had not changed much when it was sent back to the Senate, but 25 senators’ opinions and votes had.
Veterans think the switch was political, despite the fact that the cause is unknown.
The lives of sick and dying veterans who served their country are at risk, according to experts and the veterans who were exposed to poisons while on duty.
Tom Porter, 54, who developed asthma after serving a year in Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy Reserve from 2010 to 2011, claimed he experienced a serious lung reaction and was unable to breathe during the first week of his deployment.
Le Roy Torres, 49, who was diagnosed with a lung condition and a toxic brain injury after serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army, expressed his shock at the bill’s defeat and urged lawmakers to get back together right away.