Ahead of Legislative Hearing, Chairman Takano Highlights Bills to Recognize Toxic Exposure as a Cost of War

WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) highlighted legislation that aligns with the Committee’s efforts to comprehensively grant benefits and presumptions for all veterans exposed to toxic substances—regardless of where or when they served. At Wednesday’s full Committee Legislative Hearing, the Committee will discuss 15 bills and hear from Members, VSO leaders, and VA officials as it works to comprehensively address toxic exposure. Hear more from the sponsors of these bills here.

Earlier this year, Chairman Takano announced that he will prioritize toxic exposure during  the 117^th Congress and committed to moving comprehensive legislation forward. As part of this effort, the Committee has worked to raise awareness of the effects of toxic exposure and has spoken to many veterans living with the effects of toxic exposure like MSgt. Brian Graves & Lt. Col. (Ret.) Nate Brauner. All of these efforts build off the monumental passage of Chairman Takano’s Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act last Congress that finally granted benefits to Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service off the coast of Vietnam.

“Earlier this Congress, I announced that addressing toxic exposure would be a top legislative priority—with 15 bills on the agenda this Wednesday, it’s clear that we are ready to take action,” said Chairman Takano. “I want to thank all of my colleagues for working together to ensure that all veterans exposed to toxic substances can finally get the care and benefits they’ve earned. I look forward to hearing from experts and veteran stakeholders as we work to build a comprehensive package that will provide much needed relief for our veterans now.”

Hear more from our Members here.

• VIDEO: Rep. Luria’s COVENANT Act will ensure veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service in the Middle East, Southwest Asia, East Africa, and the Philippines can access VA benefits
• VIDEO: Dr. Ruiz’s  Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act  will streamline the process for obtaining VA benefits for burn pit and other toxic exposures
• VIDEO: Rep. Trone’s Fairly Assessing Service-related Exposure Residual (FASTER) Presumptions Act will revamp VA’s presumptive decision-making process, so veterans exposed to toxic substances can get critical benefits faster
• VIDEO: Rep. Cartwright’s Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act will provide long-due relief to Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange by expanding the presumption of exposure for those who were deployed to certain locations in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
• VIDEO: Rep. Tonko’s Fort McClellan Health Registry Act will establish a health registry tracking links between service at Fort McClellan in Alabama and the severe life-long health problems plaguing many of the veterans who served there
• VIDEO: Rep. Slotkin’s  Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act will formally recognize that veterans who served near open-air burn pits in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places were exposed to airborne hazards and toxins
• Rep. Pappas’ PFAS Registry Act will create a national database for servicemembers and veterans with health concerns due to potential exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at U.S. military bases
• Rep. Hayes’ Palomares Veterans Act will remove barriers to benefits and compensation for the veterans who responded to the 1966 nuclear accident in Palomares, Spain

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