August 02, 2022

Chairman Takano's Statement on Senate Passage of his Honoring our PACT Act

Press Contact

Miguel R. Salazar (202) 779-1486

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the statement below following Senate passage of his Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021 Or Honoring Our PACT Act. 

“Last month, the House of Representatives once again passed my Honoring our PACT Act, and today, the Senate voted to do the same. It took longer than anticipated, but in the end, I am heartened that many Senate Republicans finally put veterans over politics and joined all Senate Democrats in voting for the final version of my PACT Act and answer President Biden’s call to send him a comprehensive bill that will address the effects of toxic exposure for all current and future veterans.

"America’s veterans demanded action, and Congress – led by Democrats in both chambers – has now delivered. We have held true to our promise, held true to the pact we have made with America’s veterans, held true to our belief that toxic exposure is a cost of war. Soon, President Biden will sign this historic benefits package and let veterans of today and tomorrow know that their country will care for them and pay for the cost of that care when they leave the military. That is how America can rightfully thank them for their service.” 

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 first passed the House earlier this year with a bipartisan vote of 256-174, a Senate vote of 84 to 14, and a second House vote of 342 to 88. It 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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