Costa votes to Expand Veteran’s Healthcare Benefits

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the House passed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, legislation that will treat toxic exposures as a cost of war and expand access to earned benefits and healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Congress promised our service members and their families that we will take care of them,"said Costa. "I'm proud to support this legislation to ensure that our service members and veterans exposed to toxic substances have access to the care and benefits they've earned and rightfully deserve."

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 is a comprehensive legislative package that will expand healthcare to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. This is the first time in history that those suffering from exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards will receive healthcare benefits from the VA.

The legislation adds coverage for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers that affect veterans. This means that if a veteran served in a particular conflict at a particular time, it is presumed they were exposed to toxic substances and therefore are potentially eligible for healthcare and benefits. In particular, it provides additional coverage to post 9/11 veterans, K2 veterans, and Vietnam veterans, including those who served in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

This bipartisan legislation will also streamline the VA's decision-making process so that veterans don't have to wait decades for help. Costa is a co-sponsor of the bill. The legislation now awaits approval in the Senate before it is sent to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

A fact sheet can be found here.