News · Press Release

Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood Vote to Deliver Better Care to Illinois Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

Foster and Underwood’s votes to pass the Honoring our PACT Act will help more Illinois veterans access the care they deserve

Today, Reps. Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood voted to pass ambitious legislation targeting military toxic exposure to help millions of veterans get the care they need after serving our country.

House Democrats and President Biden made clear that our nation needs to better recognize the adverse effects toxic exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards have on the lives of our servicemen and women. Foster and Underwood’s votes today will provide Illinois veterans better and faster access to the health care they need and deserve after dangerous toxic exposure.

The Honoring Our PACT Act will:

  • Provide health care to as many as 3.5 million veterans exposed to airborne hazards and burn pits

  • Automatically qualify veterans with specified conditions from toxic exposure for VA health care and disability benefits

  • Streamline the VA’s review process and require standardized training & conduct outreach

174 House Republicans voted against delivering this care to our servicemembers.

“Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood are committed to delivering for our veterans and making sure servicemembers can lead healthy lives when they return home,” said DCCC Spokesperson Elena Kuhn. “Thanks to Reps. Foster and Underwood, and House Democrats, millions of veterans who’ve been forced to wait to receive care are now much closer to the care they deserve.”

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