Political Quotes

“I thank the former chairman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation that I sponsored with Dr. Ruiz, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act. I am pleased to have Dr. Ruiz' medical expertise engaged on this issue. Our Nation's servicemembers experience a variety of threats to their health and well-being, many of which extend well beyond combat. The theater of war can present many health challenges that do not show up until later in life. We are learning that burn pit exposure can be one such condition. I occasionally smelled that type of smoke that can arise from burn pits when I served in Iraq. I support increased research into the range of health impacts that can arise from burn pit exposure. In order to effectively help our Nation's veterans, we need an accurate registry of servicemembers and veterans who were exposed to burn pits, as well as detailed records of health impacts from that exposure. Currently, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry monitors the health records of veterans exposed to burn pits. This registry helps the VA identify health conditions possibly related to burn pit exposure or other airborne hazards that can arise during military service. It also keeps exposed veterans informed about studies and treatments, and it helps improve programs to help veterans who are concerned that they may have been exposed to toxic chemicals while they were deployed.…”