Stephanie Murphy

08/11/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/11/2022 08:44

Murphy Statement on PACT Act Signing

WASHINGTON-This week, President Biden signed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This landmark law will improve benefits and services to more than 5 million veterans who may have been impacted by toxic exposures during their time of service. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of health care benefits and services for toxin-exposed veterans in more than 30 years.

"We have a duty to protect veterans who were exposed to toxic substances while serving our country," said Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. "These brave Americans in uniform are heroes, and they deserve access to high-quality care and health benefits. The bipartisan PACT Act will deliver this much-needed assistance, and I'm happy to see it signed into law."

Named in honor of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer, the PACT Act will bring these changes:

  • Expands and extends eligibility for Veterans Affairs health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras.
  • Adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures.
  • Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation.
  • Requires Veterans Affairs to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in Veterans Affairs health care.
  • Helps improve Veterans Affairs research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures.

More information about the PACT Act can be found on the website of the Veterans Affairs Department.

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