Matt Cartwright: “Here is the deal. When we send our servicemembers into harm's way the deal is that we are going to take care of them…”

“Here is the deal. When we send our servicemembers into harm's way the deal is that we are going to take care of them when they get back home. It is more than a deal; it is a pact. It is something sacred. But for far too long Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs have been slow in acting on that pact citing the high cost or the lack of science. The result is a disability claims benefit process that is cumbersome and places the burden on the veteran himself or herself to prove toxic exposure. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment which streamlines this process. It helps ease the burden of the disability benefit claims process on servicemembers and their families by, number one, requiring the Secretary of the VA to share a list of resources for toxic-exposed veterans, caregivers of toxic-exposed veterans, and survivors of toxic- exposed vets, national veterans service organizations, and other veterans' groups. Number two, it requires the VA Secretary to share an outreach program with those VSOs. I believe we have to take every step possible to ensure that we offer the best care to those who have served our Nation. My amendment is a step forward in reaching the goal that servicemembers and their families should be made aware of every resource, and that includes the resources included in the Honoring our PACT Act.”