IAVA’s Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Butler called on Congress to pass long-awaited comprehensive toxic exposures legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 2, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

Washington, DC – Earlier today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Butler, testified before the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on IAVA’s advocacy priorities for the year. His testimony had a clear focus on the long-overdue need to pass comprehensive toxic exposure legislation for the post-9/11 veteran community. 

In order to help the many thousands of veterans suffering from military toxic exposures, such as burn pits, who have inadequate access to VA benefits, Butler is calling on the House to swiftly pass the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act. The bill is expected to receive a vote on the House floor this week.

“Half measures and anything short of comprehensive toxic exposure legislation would leave this issue unresolved, leave countless veterans responsible for continuing to fight their government for what they were promised, and leave a gaping self-inflicted wound to continue to kill those who served their country,” said Jeremy Butler. “We must ensure that veterans finally see comprehensive legislation enacted that addresses the most widespread injuries of the post-9/11 wars.”

IAVA, and the veteran service community, call on Congress to avoid the partisanship that has bled into this critical policy effort and to pass this bill for the health of our veterans.

Butler’s full testimony can be found here. 

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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