Chairman Takano on Senate Passage of PACT Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the statement below following the Senate passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 which makes revisions to his Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021 Or Honoring Our PACT Act, which originated in the House of Representatives as H.R. 3967.

“A few months ago the House of Representatives took the historic first step of passing my Honoring Our PACT Act, and moved closer to delivering the most comprehensive legislation to date to treat toxic exposure as a cost of war. I am thrilled that the Senate has now done its part by passing my bill with some additional revisions to benefit veterans.  

“My bill expands access to healthcare and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their time in service – ensuring we finally make good on our country’s promise to toxic-exposed veterans. It is the only bill that will address the long-term health effects that millions of veterans – from Vietnam to Afghanistan – have lived with for years. These veterans have waited too long for the care and benefits they deserve – they shouldn’t be made wait any longer. 

“Next week I will take this bill back to the House floor for final approval and once more we will make clear to America's veterans how much we value their service and sacrifice. I am eager to vote on the final version of my PACT Act and swiftly send it to President Biden’s desk for his signature. And I am confident my colleagues will join me in a bipartisan fashion."

Background: The Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021 Or Honoring Our PACT Act is legislation authored by Chairman Mark Takano that will finally treat toxic exposure as a cost of war by addressing the full range of issues impacting toxic-exposed veterans including access to earned benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Chairman Takano’s legislation passed the house earlier this year with a bipartisan vote of 256-174 and has the strong support of 42 Veterans Service Organizations, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, the Biden-Harris Administration, and advocates Jon Stewart and John Feal.

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