Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed final Senate passage of the PACT Act, sending it to President Biden to be signed into law, as it was passed in mid-July by the U.S. House of Representatives. PACT stands for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics, and the official full title is the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act.

“Congratulations to the nation’s Veterans as this longstanding priority gets over the finish line,” said Aumua Amata. “Thank you to the many who worked for this outcome for a long time. The key policy efforts of this Act had true widespread support throughout Congress, and finally all the details have been finalized, allowing the VA to begin getting these Veterans the services they are owed.”

The Act expands health care and disability benefits, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, mental health services and counseling options to Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service, including burn pits and other dangerous substances. A new Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure will assist in establishing presumptions of service-connection.

BACKGROUND

The bill enhancing health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits won final approval in the Senate on Tuesday, ending a brief stalemate over the measure that had infuriated advocates and inspired some to camp outside the Capitol.

The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-11. It now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Biden described the legislation as the biggest expansion of benefits for service-connected health issues in 30 years and the largest single bill ever to address exposure to burn pits.

“I look forward to signing this bill, so that veterans and their families and caregivers impacted by toxic exposures finally get the benefits and comprehensive health care they earned and deserve,” Biden said.

The Senate had overwhelming approved the legislation back in June, but a do-over was required to make a technical fix. That process derailed when Republicans made a late attempt to change another aspect of the bill last week and blocked it from advancing.

The abrupt delay outraged veterans groups and advocates, including comedian Jon Stewart. It also placed GOP senators in the uncomfortable position of delaying the top legislative priority of service organizations this session of Congress.