More than 40 VSOs send joint letter to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority House Leader Kevin McCarthy calling on the House to pass bipartisan bill into law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 25, 2021
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – On February 24, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and more than 40 other organizations representing America’s veterans, service members, and their families, sent a joint letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, calling on the House to expeditiously pass the bipartisan Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act.

The bill will provide overdue VA disability and healthcare benefits to thousands of veterans suffering from military toxic exposures, like from burn pits, and establish a new process to determine future presumptive health conditions. 

According to IAVA’s latest member survey, over 80% of IAVA members were exposed to burn pits during their deployments, and a shocking 90% of those exposed believe they already have or may have symptoms.

“More than 40 VSOs have come together to urge the House to pass the landmark Honoring Our PACT Act to finally deliver on America’s obligation to address a major signature injury from our last 20 years of war,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO for IAVA. “Although many of us have supported a variety of toxic exposure bills in the past, those efforts have culminated in the comprehensive Honoring Our PACT Act, and we’re calling on Congress to pass it into law without further delay.”

IAVA and other veterans, military, and family organizations have spent years educating Congress, national leaders, and the public on the enormous scope of the injuries faced by the veteran community. The Honoring Our PACT Act finally comprehensively addresses the numerous components of this years-long push to establish VA benefits for those who have suffered military toxic 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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