The upper chamber must pass the measure again, as the House version of the bill includes technical changes from the measure passed last month. The bill then heads to President Biden’s desk, where he is expected to sign it.
During House Floor remarks earlier this month, Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) spoke about The Honoring Our PACT Act.
The bill contains two major components. First, it extends the grace period by which military veterans serving near burn pits can get medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Their eligibility for veterans affairs care will double from five years after their discharge to 10 years.
"The Honoring our PACT Act, which I cosponsored, is historic legislation that will provide millions of toxic-exposed veterans the benefits they deserve.
During House Floor remarks last week, Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) spoke about The Honoring Our PACT Act.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, Camp Lejeune had toxins contaminating the drinking water from the 1950s through 1987. The chemicals are known to cause several cancers as well as miscarriages.
An estimated 900,000 or more people were exposed and assumedly affected by the toxic water resulting in cancer, organ failure, reproductive issues and more. The act permits affected people the opportunity to seek reparations for illness, injury and death from exposure to the contaminated water.
During House Floor remarks last Wednesday, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) spoke about The Honoring Our PACT Act.
No word on when exactly the Senate will hold another vote, but the bill is expected to pass again and head to the President for his signature.
Only the PACT Act, supporting the medical needs of veterans, is good on its merits, but the bill fails to find spending offsets.