BURLINGTON, VT – On Sunday, the nation celebrates the third anniversary the enactment of the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, historic legislation to deliver benefits and care to veterans impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while serving, as well as their survivors. The PACT Act was championed Senator Welch as a member of the House of Representatives, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, and signed into law by President Biden. To date, more than 1.8 million PACT Act related claims have been approved, including over 3,200 in Vermont. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement:
“Three years ago, the PACT Act took historic steps to ensure the cost of war includes the cost of caring for the warrior. This bipartisan legislation expanded benefits for servicemembers and opened doors to care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service. But we can always do more to support veterans by expanding and improving PACT Act benefits. That includes for Vermont and New Hampshire veterans who served in Kosovo and those still living with long-term health consequences of toxic exposure from burn pits. Congress must pass my bipartisan, bicameral bills to continue improve care for veterans and eliminate burn pits once and for all.”
Senator Welch has championed efforts to limit toxic substance exposure among veterans, including supporting legislation to educate servicemembers on the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards and improve data collection on veterans affected by toxic exposure to improve health care delivery. Last month, Senator Welch introduced the Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act and the Health Records Enhancement Act, bipartisan, bicameral bills that would improve, expand, and enhance protections for veterans under the PACT Act in addition to eliminating burn pits to help prevent future toxic exposure cases. The WIPE Act’s provisions prohibiting the use of open-air burn pits and authorizing the use of alternative disposal systems were included in the Senate’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).
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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care up to current federal standards. Last Congress, 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. Vermont veterans and servicemembers seeking assistance are encouraged to visit welch.senate.gov or call his Burlington office: 802-863-2525.
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