IAVA Calls on the Senate to Pass Comprehensive Burn Pits Legislation Without Delay

Washington, DC – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) applauds the overwhelming bipartisan cloture vote by the US Senate of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act (Honoring Our PACT Act). Ahead of full consideration of this historic bill later this week, the US Senate voted with a total of 86 yays and 12 nays to send the bill to the floor for debate for the next 30 hours. 

IAVA applauds the dedication of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Senate Members to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to thousands of veterans and service members suffering from military toxic exposures. 

“Today’s cloture vote, while technically only a procedural hurdle, is actually a sign of incredible progress and an example of what can be accomplished when the veteran community comes together,” says Jeremy Butler, CEO of IAVA. “But we also need to keep up the pressure – we still need to clear another vote in the Senate and then the House of Representatives will need to pass the bill again. We’re close but we can’t celebrate too much just yet.”

Toxic exposures have had a widespread impact on veterans, with as many as 82% of veterans poised to directly benefit from this legislation. The Honoring Our PACT Act addresses a glaring gap in the needs of generations of current and future veterans. IAVA calls on the US Senate to pass the PACT Act now.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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