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President Biden signed bipartisan legislation into law on Wednesday, saying it's the "least we can do" for countless military veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits during their time in service.
During an event at the White House, Biden called the legislation "the least we can do for the countless men and women... who suffered toxic exposure while serving their country."
"It empowers the Department of Veterans Affairs to move quickly to determine a service member's illness and related military service to see if they qualify. And for families of veterans who died from toxic exposure, it means a monthly stipend of $2,000 a month for a surviving spouse with two children," continued Biden.
"It means access to life insurance, home loan insurance, tuition benefits and help with health care. It means new facilities, improved care, more research and increased hiring and retention of health care workers treating veterans," he said.
SENATE PASSES BURN PITS LEGISLATION AFTER PARTISAN IMBROGLIO
President Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or PACT, Act of 2022 on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promises to Address Comprehensive Toxics, or PACT, Act of 2022 in the East Room of the White House. The bill is expected to assist more than 5 million veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
He was introduced by Danielle Robinson and Brielle Robinson, the surviving wife and daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, after whom the bill is named. Robinson was a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer.
"This new law matters. It matters a lot. It matters a great deal because these conditions have already taken such a toll on so many veterans and their families," Biden said.
The PACT Act will expand eligibility for Veterans Affairs health care, make it easier for military veterans to qualify for VA services, strengthen toxic exposure research and improve care for veterans exposed to toxins. Eligible veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can apply for PACT Act benefits.
The president had called on U.S. lawmakers to work on burn pits legislation during his first State of the Union address earlier this year.
President Biden had called on Congress to work on burn pits legislation during his first State of the Union address earlier this year. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The bill recently passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support. Biden vowed to swiftly sign it into law, saying the burn pits issue is personal for himself and his family.
"When they came home, many of the fittest and best-trained warriors we've ever had were not the same; headaches, numbness, dizziness, cancer. My son Beau was one of them," Biden said at a White House event in June.
BIDEN PUSHES BACK SIGNING BURN PITS BILL AFTER REPUBLICANS TOOK HEAT FOR DELAY
Burn pits have been used by the military to remove household trash, as well as more toxic substances, including paint, metals, plastics and human waste. The fires burned toxic chemicals and were often close to areas in which service members lived and worked while overseas.
President Biden vowed to swiftly sign the PACT Act into law, saying the burn pits issue is personal for himself and his family. (Associated Press)
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The attendees for Biden's signing included toxic exposed veterans and their families, advocates, administration officials, members of Congress and Veterans Affairs staff who have worked on the issue.
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