SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) spoke at the Joint Opening Session of the 94th Annual Vermont State VFW convention. Senator Welch thanked Vermont veterans for their service to our country and discussed how Washington can better support veterans and servicemembers across America.
“Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in patriotic service to our country. And if there were ever something for everyone to agree on, it is that the cost of the war must include the cost of taking care of the warrior. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on the PACT Act and am grateful to Vermont’s veterans service organizations who ensure our veterans, and their families, are supported and have access to vital services and care,” said Senator Welch. “I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure that every Vermont veteran has the care, services, and tools they deserve to succeed in civilian life.”
View photos from the event below:
Senator Welch championed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act as a member of the House of Representatives. The PACT Act is delivering benefits and care to millions impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while serving, as well as their survivors. It is also expanding toxic exposure screenings and other care services. Since the PACT Act was passed, more than 1.7 million PACT Act related claims have been approved, including 3,100 in Vermont.
Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, and Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act, bills that build on the PACT Act to increase support for Veterans exposed to burn pits, improve data collection on burn pit and toxic substance exposure, and help mitigate future toxic substance exposure for service members. In February, Senator Welch led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act, legislation to bring reimbursement rates for veterans travelling to receive VA care up to current federal standards.
Last Congress, Senator Welch led the Vermont and New Hampshire congressional delegations in urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use authority granted under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act to make it easier for Veterans stationed in Kosovo from 1999 onwards to access health care and disability benefits for conditions related to toxic substance exposure during their service. In 2023, a bipartisan amendment led by Sen. Welch requiring the VA to conduct a review on mortality and toxic exposure data for Veterans who served in Kosovo passed with bipartisan support.
Senator Welch’s talented team of caseworkers can help Veterans, families, and survivors with casework related to the VA, as well as other federal agencies. Vermonters seeking assistance are encouraged to visit welch.senate.gov or call his Burlington office: 802-863-2525.
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