The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would expand health care eligibility for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
According to The Washington Post, the measure could extend health coverage to up to 3.5 million veterans and was approved on a 256-174 vote, with 34 Republicans joining all of the House Democratic delegation in approving the bill, known as the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele (D-HI) said in a March 3 tweet that America has a duty to care for its veterans and military families.
“Today I will continue my long-term commitment to our armed forces by voting for the Honoring our PACT Act, which will provide health care for 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans," Kahele tweeted. "The PACT Act includes a provision in honor of the late Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai. The Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act permits veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll to receive service-connected compensation benefits and medical care."
The Washington Post reported that Republicans opposing the bill balked at the $300 billion price tag over 10 years, which some GOP lawmakers said would increase the nation’s deficit and overburden the Veterans Administration.
The U.S. military operating in Iraq and Afghanistan often used burn pits to dispose of waste, including hazardous and medical materials. Burning jet fuels release toxins, according to the report, and those have resulted in lasting medical issues for veterans, who face lengthy disability claims, which have to be processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs, when seeking needed medical attention.
The measure would cover 23 health issues, including cancers and respiratory ailments that may have been caused or irritated during military service. The veterans wouldn’t have to prove their condition was a result of the toxins they were exposed to.