FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 17, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY –  Following the February 16 Senate passage of the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) calls on Congress to finally pass into law comprehensive toxic exposure legislation like the Honoring our PACT Act in the House. A similar bill, the COST of War Act, was passed by the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee last October.

“The recent vote underscores the realization by the Senate that toxic exposures suffered by American servicemembers require national attention, and we thank Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran for their continued leadership on this issue,” said IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “With the Senate action, as well as the broad support by veterans groups for passage of comprehensive legislation, IAVA calls on Congress to expeditiously pass the Honoring Our PACT Act. After more than 20 years of war in the post-9/11 era, veterans have waited long enough for comprehensive benefits. Many are sick, and many have died. The time for bold action and leadership is now.”

Since its inception, IAVA has advocated for health care and benefits for those who have returned home with injuries of war, including from toxic exposures like burn pits. In IAVA’s most recent member survey, 86% say they were exposed to burn pits or other airborne toxins, and of those, 89% say they may have symptoms related to those exposures.

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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