By Dan Berman
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WENY) – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for advancement of bipartisan legislation that aims to help service members who were exposed to toxic burn pits while serving overseas.
Gillibrand’s bill is called the ‘Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins’ Act. Gillibrand’s bill is called the ‘Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins’ Act. It’s included in the ‘Honoring Our PACT Act.’
The bipartisan will would eliminate the burden of proof from veterans to establish a direct service connection between their health condition and exposure to these pits – streamlining the process to obtain benefits.
Approximately 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to burn pits and toxic fumes. Now Gillibrand is urging the senate to swiftly take up and pass her legislation.
“To put it simply it says if you were there and you are sick you are covered it should be that simple this is the cost of war and we have to cover it”, said Senator Gillibrand.
The House passed the bill in passage of the ‘Honoring Our Pact Act’ two weeks ago, which passed by a vote of 256 TO 174.The House passed the bill in passage of the ‘Honoring Our Pact Act’ two weeks ago, which passed by a vote of 256 TO 174. The bill is now in the Senate Armed Services Committee
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