On Thursday, the Senate voted for the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022,  expanding health care services and disability benefits to veterans and survivors impacted by exposure to toxins, in response to concerns about exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The law was passed 84-14. 

Burn pits, set ablaze by jet fuel, were routinely used by the military to burn supplies and medical waste in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the White House’s statement, “We owe it to our veterans and their families to address these consequences comprehensively. Unfortunately, it has taken decades to understand the dangerous effects of harmful environmental exposures—leaving too many veterans without the benefits and services they need and deserve.”

Research by the Veteran’s Administration (VA) has shown that chronic illness and even death have resulted from veterans being exposed to burn pits and other toxic chemicals. In the past, veterans have not been able to access the highest quality health care from the VA for the damages they have suffered. The legislation will give veterans and their families the opportunity to getter better healthcare and will extend coverage for 10 years after discharge instead of the present five years.

The legislation lists 23 burn pit and toxin-related conditions to the VA’s list of conditions that qualify for health services. It will also ensure that veterans receive routine screenings for follow-up of toxic chemical exposure. Funding for research on toxic exposure will also be increased. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA) said the House would “move swiftly” to vote on the legislation and send it to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. 

President Biden has supported the legislation and said he would sign it immediately.