On Wednesday, President Joe Biden signed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act into law. This PACT Act expands benefits for veterans and service members that were exposed to — and inhaled — fumes, debris from large trash fires known as burn pits while serving overseas.
Burn pits were common practice on military bases for waste disposal for several years. The garbage set aflame often included chemicals, paint, both medical and human waste, plastics, styrofoam, rubber and munitions.
The Department of Defense estimates that more than 3 million troops from recent wars may have respiratory ailments due to the exposure of airborne toxins from burn bits.
In July, Senate Republicans blocked the PACT Act, claiming objections to the funds connected to the measure. The Bill went back on track later that month after an outcry from veterans and veteran advocates.
What does the passage of the PACT Act mean for veterans? What are the eligibility requirements? How does this expand healthcare for veterans? How soon will veterans see the expansion of their benefits?
Guests:
- Rosie Torres, co-founder of Burn Pits 360
- CPT Le Roy Torres, U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.), co-founder of Burn Pits 360
- Leo Shane III, deputy editor of Military Times
- Suzanne Gordon, senior policy analyst at the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute, co-author of “Our Veterans: Winners, Losers, Friends, and Enemies on the New Terrain of Veterans Affairs”
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*This interview was recorded on Thursday, August 11.