PACT Act HR 3967- Veterans Bill Update

Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act Update

NOVEMBER 2022 UPDATE: PACT ACT Week of Action Events Hosted by VA.

OCTOBER 2022 UPDATE:The Honoring our PACT Act HR 3967 of 2022 was officially signed into law by President Biden and will now allow veterans exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits and other contaminants more health benefits. For more information on the historic passage, follow the PACT Act link above. The PACT ACT is open for enrollment to Veterans.

Recognizing the need to better support our Veterans, the House Committees for Veterans’ Affairs and Armed Services introduced the Honoring Our PACT Act 2022 HR 3967 to the House of Representatives in 2021. The bill passed and was then sent to the Senate where it was passed with slight modifications. The updated version of the bill recently made its way back to the House of Representatives where many expect it to be voted on. The PACT Act is a rare bipartisan bill showing all signs of being signed into law. Read more about the Honoring Our PACT Act 2022 and its future impact on Veterans.

What is the PACT Act HR 3967?

The PACT Act HR 3967 is a bill introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-41) in 2021. The bill was introduced and passed in a 356-174 vote in the House of Representatives in March 2022. The PACT Act 2022 will address health impacts for Veterans exposed to toxic hazards such as burn pits, Agent Orange, and radiation. This Act will expand access to VA healthcare outside the current scope to support additional Veterans.

The bill aims to address Veterans Affairs (VA) health care for Veterans, covering topics such as presumptive illnesses, research, resources, and other matters related to toxic exposure during military service. This bill will cover Veterans who participated in toxic activities and were exposed, served in specific regions and locations, or were deployed in support of specified contingency operations. Additionally, the bill will establish the Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure to assist with establishing and removing presumptions.

Other Veteran Bills Related to the PACT Act 2022

Aside from the PACT Act of 2022, Congress continues to instill progress for Veterans through legislation. Bills that include extended coverage for toxic exposure victims include the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 and the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021 among many others.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

In January 2022, Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8) introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 HR 6482 to improve upon the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The bill will establish action for Veterans harmed by exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejuene in North Carolina. Water contamination at Camp Lejeune led to the development of mesothelioma in many Army Veterans. There have been bills passed in recent years to address Camp Lejeune victims, such as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021. The goal of the PACT Act HR 3967 is to extend coverage to additional Veterans and citizens.

Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021

In early 2021, Representative Josh Harder (D-CA-10) introduced the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021 HR 1972. Although not yet signed into law, the bill will provide an updated list of service-connected presumptive illnesses. The bill will include hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for Veterans who served in Vietnam and the surrounding areas. By adding these illnesses to the list, affected Veterans will have better access to the VA Health Care System.

How Mesothelioma Vets Can Help Veterans

If you or a loved one faced toxic exposure while serving, you may be eligible for VA benefits. Mesothelioma Vets can assist you in legal action and treatment services related to the PACT Act HR 3967. Discover your options today by receiving your free case evaluation.