JUNE 16, 2022 – Military-Veterans Advocacy (MVA) today praised the United States Senate for their passage of important veterans legislation supported by the Slidell, Louisiana based veterans organization.
The Senate by a vote of 85-15 voted to pass the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. The legislation will provide presumptive benefits for 23 diseases and disabilities suffered by veterans exposed to open air burn pits in Southwest Asia. The bill will also cover radiation veterans in Eniwetok, Palomares Spain and Uzbekistan. Additionally it will provide coverage for those veterans who served during the Vietnam Era in Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Island, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
As well as providing long overdue compensation and medical benefits, it provides a framework for the Department of Veterans Affairs to use in determining other presumptive disabilities caused by military toxic exposure.
“MVA has supported the PACT Act concept for years,” said Commander John B Wells, USN (ret), Chairman of Military-Veterans Advocacy. “In our visits to the Hill over the last few years, we have championed the need for comprehensive legislation,” Wells continued. “While this bill does not cover all toxic exposures, it is a huge step in the right direction.”
Wells praised bill sponsor Rep. Mark Takano, D-CA for “his leadership and foresight in drafting this important legislation.” He also congratulated Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) for their hard work in reworking and improving the House passed bill. “Their joint efforts,” noted Wells, “were critical to resolving differences and ensuring the bill’s passage. It goes to show that the two parties can work together, at least on important veterans benefits.”
Louisiana Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy also 99were complemented by Wells. “Initially, both Louisiana Senators had reservations,” Wells noted. “MVA reached out to them and were able to convince them to support this effort. I appreciate their consideration of our input and their support of veterans efforts.”
The bill now goes back to the House where swift passage is expected. President Biden has indicated that he will sign the bill. It will take effect October 3, 2022.
Commander J. B. Wells U. S. Navy (Retired)
Attorney at Law
Chairman
Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc.
PO Box 5235
Slidell, LA 70469-5235
985-641-1855
985-290-6940 (direct)
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