H.R. 3967 – I cosponsored the Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021 (Honoring Our PACT) Act to authorize VA health care to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits and establish a presumption of service connection for over 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers. When our servicemembers deploy to defend our nation, the United States promises to serve them as well as they served us once they return. Yet, many veterans have not enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise due to current restrictions on toxic-exposed veterans' access to VA care and benefits. With the Honoring our PACT Act, we will make good on the pact we made to provide veterans with the health care and services they have earned.
Tampa Bay veterans, including my friend, retired Army Colonel DJ Reyes, are national leaders in the fight to secure care for toxic-exposed veterans. Listen to DJ - as I do - as he also has spearheaded the Veterans Treatment Court and other local initiatives. I am grateful that he shared just how important this bill is, and I proudly voted yes on behalf of DJ and other Tampa neighbors who served our nation.