Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) voted in support of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022. The PACT Act ensures that veterans who suffered from toxic exposure due to their military service have access to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and healthcare. Currently, many veterans who suffered from burn pit or other toxic exposures in recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not eligible for VA benefits.
“Passing the PACT Act is a huge win for veterans. For years, I’ve advocated for extending VA benefits to veterans impacted by toxic exposure stemming from their military service. Earlier this year, Congress voted on a version of this bill that I opposed because of flaws that would have created a massive backlog at the VA jeopardizing the delivery of benefits to all veterans. I am now satisfied that with additional resources being provided to the VA through this bill will empower the VA to fulfil its mission of serving veterans in a timely and effective way,” said Congressman Barr.
“As a veteran who experienced toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune, I appreciate Congressman Barr for his work to deliver VA benefits to all veterans dealing with toxic exposure. I am hopeful that the U.S. Senate will pass this bill quickly and it will be enacted into law soon,” said Brian Amburgey, who serves on the Sixth District Veterans Coalition advising Congressman Barr on veterans’ affairs issues.