The Honoring Our PACT Act was signed into law one year ago today. David Schweikert, who voted NO, voted against:
Expanding access to critical care for veterans who were exposed to dangerous toxic chemicals like radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War toxins, and burn pits during their service
Extending the period of time that post-9/11 combat veterans have to enroll in VA health care from five years to 10 years
Authorizing 31 new VA medical and research centers
Streamlining veterans’ ability to access critical resources and care
This isn’t the first time Schweikert has voted against the brave men and women who have served our nation. This Congress, Schweikert voted for the Default on America Act, which would cut veterans’ health benefits and lead to a dramatic increase in the disability claims backlog.
DCCC spokesperson Justin Chermol:
“It’s unconscionable that David Schweikert would tout the benefits provided by the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act as if he played a role in passing the bill. In truth, Schweikert tried to deny the brave men and women who served our nation their health care.”
Last year, Rep. David Schweikert voted not once, but twice against a bill to provide health benefits to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service.
Now, the Arizona Republican is urging his constituents to sign up for the benefits created by that same legislation.
The bill — known as the “Honoring our PACT Act” — was a bipartisan bill that expanded the benefits and services that the Department of Veterans Affairs could provide to service members who may have developed an illness as a result of exposure to toxins.
That includes “burn pits” on military bases, where the military disposed of chemicals, plastics, and human waste via open-air fires.
The initial version of the legislation later passed the House in March 2022, and then a Senate-amended version passed the House again in July 2022.
In both instances, Schweikert was among the Republicans who voted against the bill. Biden later signed the bill into law on August 10, 2022.
Insider reached out to Schweikert’s office for comment on why he did not support the bill, but did not receive a response.
According to the US Census, more than 41,000 veterans live in Schweikert’s Scottsdale-area district.
