Lee Statement on Bipartisan PACT Act Providing 1 Million Veteran Benefit Claims
Delivered more than $5.7 billion in earned benefits to veterans
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lee (NV-03) released the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) granting its 1 millionth veteran and survivor disability compensation claim from the bipartisan Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which Congresswoman Lee helped get signed into law:
“More than 200,000 veterans call Nevada home. These brave men and women and their families sacrificed so much to protect us and our freedom. It is our duty to ensure that we take care of them when they return home, many with injuries, visible and invisible. The PACT Act, which was passed with bipartisan support, does just that. Those veterans who suffer from injuries and illness because of exposure to burn pits and toxic substances will finally get the care they need. This law is saving lives and helping millions of veterans.”
The PACT Act is a comprehensive legislative package that opens up health care to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Veterans and survivors of exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards face health impacts ranging from respiratory illnesses and cancers — this law shifts the burden of proof off of our veterans and creates presumptions of exposure to expand eligibility for health care and benefits. Since becoming law, the PACT Act has delivered more than $5.7 billion in earned benefits to veterans and survivors.
Congresswoman Lee has been a strong supporter of veterans across Nevada. In addition to passing the PACT Act, Congresswoman Lee helped craft and get signed into law bipartisan legislation to ensure that more veterans receive free emergency suicide prevention care. Congresswoman Lee also introduced legislation last year to incentivize employers to hire student veterans for part-time work and paid internships as well as legislation to enhance the VA’s suicide prevention efforts by launching a Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program at five VA medical centers across the country.
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