Legion to Senate: Stay until PACT Act is passed

The leader of the nation’s largest organization of U.S. military veterans today called on the Senate to stay in Washington until the PACT Act is on its way to the president’s desk. The measure would provide VA health-care services and benefits for millions who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, contaminated water, atomic radiation and other toxic substances while serving the U.S. Armed Forces.

“The American Legion has fought for decades to bring health-care relief, accountability and VA disability benefits for veterans and families harmed by deadly contamination while in military service,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “The fight for passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act – the most comprehensive relief package for exposed veterans in history – is not over. No matter what it takes, the Senate must get back to work now and pass the PACT Act. It has already passed both chambers of Congress in a bipartisan manner, and there is no reason that veterans with serious medical conditions should be denied access any longer to the health care they rightfully deserve. We call on the Senate to stay in Washington until the PACT Act is on its way to the president’s desk. Veterans who suffer from toxic exposure were not allowed to walk away from unfinished missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Senate should likewise not be allowed to walk away from this unfinished business.”

If you are sick and tired of political deadlock, contact your Senators today and urge them to prioritize and pass this much-needed legislation.