Political Quotes

“as we know, the Senate is currently considering the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. This bipartisan legislation is the most comprehensive toxic exposure bill ever considered for veterans. Passing toxic exposure legislation has been a priority for Senator Tester, the chairman of the committee, and for me, the ranking member, and we wanted to do it this Congress, and we are close to accomplishing that. Last Congress, we were able to deliver landmark mental health legislation for veterans, and this Congress, we were committed to passing long-lasting solutions that will reform the VA's process by which veterans who were exposed to burn pits and Agent Orange receive their benefits and healthcare. About a month ago, Senator Tester and I announced a bipartisan agreement and introduced the historic Heath Robinson PACT Act. Part of the agreement between the chairman and me was that two amendments would be considered for this legislation. I offered an amendment to strike the creation of a fund which would classify over $116 billion in discretionary costs associated with the bill as entitlement spending. I believe that this untested and unique way of classifying spending lessens congressional oversight at a time of massive debt and deficits, and it sets a bad precedent. Senator Lee has an amendment requiring the Secretary to use science when evaluating presumptions established in the bill. That amendment has been filed.…”