The Honoring Our Pact Act (“PACT Act”), which I discussed in February and in May, has failed to pass in the Senate.
The PACT Act is a comprehensive legislation that addresses not just burn pit toxin exposed Veterans, but also adds presumptive conditions to herbicide exposed Veterans. The PACT Act would add 23 cancers and respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to burn pits to the list of conditions that would qualify veterans for VA benefits and health care. Additionally, it expands the list of locations where there is an acknowledged presence of herbicides, as well as a new presumptive condition.
Further, since its initial draft, significant legislation has been added to the PACT Act – the Camp LeJeune Justice Act, which would allow soldiers stationed at the base for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to sue the government for damages after exposure to toxic substances in the water. Almost one million people lived and worked at the base between 1953 and 1987, and a study found that people staying in Camp Lejeune had significantly higher mortality rates for several forms of cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and other conditions.
The PACT Act was set for a procedural vote in the chamber with an expectation of final passage before the end of the week. However, dissenters cited a provision they said was added to the PACT Act right before the debate of the bill on the Senate floor, which stated that any discretionary budget funds related to burn pits could become classified as mandatory spending. There is a very strong push to have a final vote for approval.
Gardberg and Kemmerly is open for calls and online assistance and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible, including staying up to date on pending legislation like the PACT Act. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call the office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama.