IAVA Hosts Online Event to Discuss Major Burn Pits Benefits Legislation with VA Committee Chairman Takano Ahead of House Vote
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org
New York, NY – Happening today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) will host a Facebook Live event to discuss comprehensive burn pit and toxic exposure benefits legislation, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act, that will establish new VA benefits for veterans suffering exposures.
IAVA Communications and Government Affairs Associate Jen Burch, an US Air Force veteran of Afghanistan, will join House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) Chairman Mark Takano to discuss what the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act will mean for those who have suffered military toxic exposures while deployed. It is the most comprehensive legislation to finally address toxic exposure as a cost of war.
“For too long, America’s message to toxic-exposed servicemembers and veterans has been simple – we thank you for your service, but the price tag for addressing your exposure is just too high,” said Chairman Takano. “I am so grateful that IAVA is behind my bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act because they know we need to recognize toxic exposure as a cost of war once and for all. We cannot accept legislative half measures that narrow benefits for some veterans and exclude others altogether. The Honoring Our PACT Act has the momentum—Congress just needs to find the will to do what is right. When my bill comes up for a vote on the House floor next week, I intend to keep my promise to care for all veterans exposed to toxic substances, and I call on all of my colleagues to do the same.”
“The Honoring Our PACT Act will establish VA healthcare and disability benefits for those with toxic exposures, like from burn pits, and sets a new framework for establishing presumptive illnesses in the future,” said Burch. “Leaders like Chairman Takano recognize the enduring responsibility the government has to care for those who fought for this country and uphold the sacred covenant between veterans and the nation they served no matter the cost.”
| WHO: | IAVA Associate Jen Burch and HVAC Chairman Mark Takano |
| WHAT: | Facebook Live: A Conversation About Burn Pits & Toxic Exposure Legislation and What Veterans Should Expect |
| WHEN: | Today: February 24, 2022 at 1:15 PM EST |
| WHERE: | Join the Facebook Live event here. The event is open to the press and the public. |
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.
###
