Matt Rosendale: “The Senate version of the PACT Act helps connect veterans who were exposed to burn pits or dangerous toxins in service…”

“The Senate version of the PACT Act helps connect veterans who were exposed to burn pits or dangerous toxins in service to our country with the healthcare and benefits they have earned and were promised. This legislation also codifies the scientific framework that the VA is already using to provide benefits to toxic-exposed veterans, better reflects current practice, and improves transparency. The previous House-passed version, which I voted against, ignored the work the VA is already doing to improve services to toxic-exposed veterans. This bill improves and codifies the pilot program that the VA established last year to extend compensation benefits to toxic-exposed veterans. This bill also includes provisions to increase transparency, provide flexibility, and keep pace with scientific advancements for toxic exposure. In addition, this legislation includes workforce enhancements, and other changes, to ensure the VA can improve services to toxic-exposed veterans without compromising care and benefits. The prior House version of the PACT Act failed to address the operational impact on the VA of servicing the benefits of toxic-exposed veterans, which would have left veterans waiting in a backlog of 1.5 million claims. This new version includes provisions that address the operational impacts head-on. Madam Speaker, this legislation is not perfect. I do not support everything that is in this piece of legislation.…”