Blumenthal Applauds Senate Passage of Comprehensive Relief for Veterans Exposed to Dangerous Toxins

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, applauded the Senate’s bipartisan passage of comprehensive legislation to deliver multiple generations of veterans exposed to dangerous toxins access to healthcare and benefits under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the first time in the nation’s history. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 84-14 and now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

“I have been honored to champion this momentous measure for our nation’s brave heroes and thrilled by its overwhelming bipartisan approval today,” said Blumenthal. “It will deliver well-deserved relief and begin to right the nation’s shameful inaction by helping veterans affected by toxic exposure, including illnesses and injuries caused by poisonous burn pits and other toxic chemicals. This milestone measure also shows that bipartisanship is alive and can produce meaningful results. I will continue fighting for its swift passage by the House so veterans can receive overdue, well-earned benefits and care as soon as possible.” 

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act includes legislation championed by Blumenthal to expand benefits, healthcare, and compensation to veteran populations that are not currently able to access services: veterans who responded to the nuclear disaster in Palomares, Spain, those who were deployed to the K2 Air Base, and veterans and families exposed to toxins in the water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The legislation also prioritizes bringing relief to post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits for decades, primarily while serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

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