Press Releases

Washington, DC – July 13, 2022....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted to pass the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. The legislation—which was amended, more properly targeted to need, and is now a product of bipartisan consensus—provides veterans who were exposed to burn pits or other dangerous toxins in service to our country with the healthcare and disability benefits they have earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Congressman Womack said, “Just as the soldier’s creed affirms never leaving a comrade behind, America’s duty is to both honor the fallen and those who return with wounds of war. This amended bill allows our nation to responsibly live up to that promise. I’m proud to help deliver access to lifesaving care for the men and women who defended our nation and now face illnesses and hardships of their service.”

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 will:

• Expand VA health care eligibility to Post-9/11 combat veterans, which includes more than 3.5 million toxic-exposed veterans;
• Create a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure;
• Strengthen federal research on toxic exposure;
• Improve VA’s resources for toxic-exposed veterans and training for VA health care and benefits professionals; and
• Set VA and veterans up for success by investing in:
• VA claims processing;
• VA’s workforce; and
• VA health care facilities.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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