News · Press Release

Rep. Jahana Hayes Votes to Deliver Better Care to Connecticut Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals

Hayes’ vote to pass the Honoring our PACT Act will help more Connecticut veterans access the care they deserve

Today, Rep. Jahana Hayes 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. Hayes’ vote today will provide Connecticut veterans better and faster access to the health care they need and deserve after dangerous toxic exposure.

The bill included a key Hayes amendment to help veterans exposed to burn pits:

Adds the text of the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act to require the Department of the VA to document, track, and then notify Congress of specified data points related to exposure cases as reported by veterans to the VA.

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.

“Rep. Jahana Hayes is committed to delivering for our veterans and making sure servicemembers can lead healthy lives when they return home,” said DCCC Spokesperson James Singer. “Thanks to Jahana Hayes 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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