Murkowski Supports Toxic Exposure Package, Honors Promise to Veterans
Bill Expands Healthcare Benefits to the Millions of Veterans Impacted by Toxic Exposure
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today voted in favor of the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which passed the Senate in an 84-14 vote. This comprehensive and bipartisan legislation ensures that all military personnel who were exposed to toxic hazards, such as from toxins produced by burn pits to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange, and are now suffering from chronic health issues as a result, can access the care and treatment they need. Right now, the VA is denying approximately 70 percent of those claims under its current system.
“We must uphold our commitment to the millions of veterans that we have asked to fight for freedom around the globe. I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill that honors the promise to care for and support our veterans, especially those who were in close proximity to burn pits and were exposed to toxic substances,” said Senator Murkowski. “Men and women who risked their lives to defend their country were often stationed in austere and remote locations under dangerous conditions that have affected their lives and health to this day. Too many of our veterans are still suffering from illnesses that don’t have a clear and established service connection—but thanks to this bill, we can begin righting this wrong by expanding healthcare benefits and finally upholding the promises made to these heroes. Our nation’s veterans deserve the highest quality care and respect, and it’s our responsibility to uphold our commitments to honor their sacrifices—the PACT Act is one way of doing that.”
“As Commander of the Alaska Department of the American Legion and a Gulf War veteran, I want to offer my thanks to Senator Murkowski for recognizing the priorities of Alaska’s veterans through her strong support of the PACT Act. This critical legislation guarantees that veterans exposed to toxins from burn pits or contaminated water will no longer have to wait for the medical care and benefits they earned through their service,” said Deb Davis, Commander of the American Legion Department of Alaska.
