BLUMENTHAL’S PUSH TO SAFEGUARD THE PACT ACT FAILS AS GOP VOTES 'NO'
Senate Republican majority voted down Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal’s (D-CT) amendment to provide toxic-exposed Veterans and their families uninterrupted funding for VA health care and benefits provided by the PACT Act. The amendment is believed to give full support and assurance to cater to the funding and health care benefits exposed to those affected by the PACT Act.
However, the majority of Senate Republicans disagree with supporting Blumenthal's amendment, starting to provide toxic-exposed Veterans and their families protection from unforeseen incidents in the military field.
Blumenthal's Amendment of the PACT Act
A majority vote of 52-47, winning the party of Senate Republicans, shows that the amendment of Blumenthal's PACT Act will not go through. Showing significant opposition of the Senate Republicans to protect those military Veterans exposed to toxic materials on the battlefield.
When asked about this decision, Blumenthal explained that Republicans denied that the proposal could benefit many Veterans, especially those who were exposed to the toxic substance. As a result, Veterans could end up unable to obtain the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Although there has not yet been a clear resolution stated of the Senate Republicans' decision, one conflict of interest is the Trump administration's budget cuts to the VA.
According to Blumenthal, he believes that, "Republicans should be held responsible for their inaction on behalf of Veterans who depend on PACT Act assistance and have been exposed to harmful substances."
Blumenthal's disappointment arises due to the inappropriate take of the Republican party to the amendment that will surely benefit the toxic-exposed Veterans and survivors.
PACT Act Breakthrough
More than 1.1 million toxic-exposed Veterans can survive with the help of the PACT Act benefits. The benefits helped 8,360 Connecticut residents, and more than 156,000 Veterans were enrolled in the PACT Act wishing to have the same benefits in case of toxic exposure incidents.
"The continuous success of our victory two years ago and the protection in giving care by the PACT up to this day is a testament to our work to help those Veterans and families that need our assistance. With this effort, I will continuously help and fight for the Veterans and their families," Blumenthal said.
The achievement of the PACT Act is truly a great insurance option for the military who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. That is why it is very important to give them the benefits that they need so that continuous breakthroughs lead to a positive impact.
VA Benefits Through the PACT Act
With the provision of the PACT Act championed by Blumenthal, which includes the benefits of the healthcare system, the compensation that VA can get is not accessible at the moment as the Senate Republicans opposed the amendment.
In every case, Blumenthal's amendment to the PACT Act will prevail. The fundamental beneficiaries will include those exposed to toxic substances, and they will be compensated based on their acquired illness.
With the success of the provision of the PACT Act signed into law by President Biden on August 10, 2022, the PACT Act is the expansion of the benefits for Veterans who are exposed to toxic substances that lead to more serious injury and illness.
The expansion of benefits will open the door for Veterans who are victims of the said exposure to toxicity on the battlefield.
Effects of Hazardous Exposure
Under the PACT Act, the VA has examined over 5.6 million people for health issues linked to hazardous exposure. Some of these health issues have evolved into significant illnesses, such as cancer.
During the signing of the Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the wife and son of the late Peter Antioho, a Veteran who was exposed to toxic burn pits during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 listened to the honoring remarks from Blumenthal.
He stated, “We lost Peter Antioho to glioblastoma, a hideous form of cancer that was caused by these burn pits. I came to know him and his family and advocated for him when he needed care and benefits, but one thing he said to us is…no Veteran should have to call a United States Senator to get what they deserve."
“He was right, and he was a big part of the inspiration. And Amy took up the cause and promised him that we would get it across the finish line, and she and families of Veterans and Veterans themselves did it.”
Read next:
- The Pact Act: Looking At the Progress and Challenges Since Its Inception
- The Ongoing Fight for Pact Act Benefits
- VA Disability Claim Status in Limbo? Thank the Pact Act & 113,000 Applications
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