(PACT) Act on Capitol Hill July 28, 2022 in Washington, DC. On July 13, the House overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan expanding health care and benefits for toxin-exposed veterans and sent the package back to the Senate with only a minor change. So, how did our senators and representatives vote on the Honoring our PACT Act By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against His office has said his proposed technical fix wouldn't reduce any spending on veterans or limit the expansion of care. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against Tom Porter, the executive vice president for government affairs at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, noted that many of the 25 senators issued press releases touting their earlier votes in support of veterans, only to turn their backs on them. Unfortunately, 25 Senators recently voted to block the passage of the PACT Act. Drew Angerer/Getty Images 26 Apr 2023 18:30:33 After Republicans initially blocked a bill that would expand benefits for veterans exposed to toxins while deployed, the Senate is now poised to pass the legislation in the coming days. ", This fight is not over, but I will not rest until our veterans have a guarantee in statute that their government will take care of them when they come homeno matter the cost., On Thursday, Jon Stewart joined veterans groups in D.C. before the historic vote and spoke about the hope and political will that seemed to becoalescingat the right time. May 1 (UPI) -- Part of a string of tit-for-tat actions involving central Florida's major theme park, a regional board on Monday said it would sue Disney over the company's parallel action against Gov. Toomey led the opposition effort to the bill last week when he complained about the mandatory spending, which he called a budgetary gimmick on the Senate floor. After days of backlash, lawmakers are set Veterans would not have to prove that their illnesses are directly related to burn pit exposure to receive disability payments and assistance. Veterans and their loved ones gathered in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for what was supposed to be a long-awaited celebration. "You don't support the troops," he said. Stewart, Bost did try to push that amendment and Bost didnt vote for the bill, saying the increased spending of $208 billion over the next 10years was. WebRT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. Senate passes PACT Act giving help to vets exposed to toxic burn pits. The bill was only expected to pass in the House because the Democratic Party holds the majority of seats. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Democrats argued the GOP was shifting its position because it was unhappy with a separate deal worked out by Sens. Now we will see if Republicans and Joe Manchin can figure out a way to tell veterans that while we can pay for them to go abroad and get sick and die for our country, we cant afford to take care of them when they come home. How do you change your mind right when you're about to make a law that's gonna save lives? Don't ever thank us for our service again. He has said the Veterans groups, family members, longtime advocate Jon Stewart and several Democratic lawmakers gathered outside the U.S. Capitol after the vote on Thursday to voice their outrage. RT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. WebRT @RedTRaccoon: 217 Republicans just voted to cut the budget of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, Sens. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. "When you have cancer, when you're sick, a month, two months is a lifetime, both figuratively and possibly literally. Something went wrong. Many veterans come home suffering from serious short- and long-termillnessesrelated to this kind of exposure to toxic substances. Melissa Quinn contributed to this report. RT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. We should all take pride in this moment. First Class Heath Robinson, for whom the bill is named. The act would allow these U.S. veterans to have more access to health care, but Paul said this could have dangerous economic implications. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. But a technical error required another vote, and this time, more than two dozen Republicans switched sides. 26Perhaps the biggest federal health care benefit for veterans in generations continues to get attention. Open-air burning of trash and other waste has been a common practice in the military for decades. Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. The final tally was 55-42 (with three senators abstaining), falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. 26 Apr 2023 18:54:28 If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Other Republican senators say they were convinced by this argument, and now, Schumer has said he will allow a vote on an appropriations amendment as the bill comes up for consideration again this week. Only one Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted against the bill. Two Democrats and one Republican abstained, while 47 Democrats, 8 Republicans and 2 independents voted to pass the bill. The vote was a surprise, as the bill was originally passed by the Senate 84-14 on June 16 and received overwhelming Republican support. Gottheimer recently called on the Senate to pass the PACT Act after last months House passage, and after 25 Senators voted against the bipartisan bill. The PACT Act will secure benefits and care for Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan-era veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving overseas. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has been leading opposition to the bill, and voted against it both times. Twenty-five Republican senators who had voted for the bill in June voted against advancing the bill last week, citing an objection to how the legislation is paid for. I want to know that the VA can implement this comprehensive bill in a fair and effective way, and right now, I am not confident that that is the case, the senator wrote. The bill, which was brought forward by Tester and Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, called for the expansion of healthcare and disability benefits for veterans who had been exposed to toxic materials during their military service. And theyre doing so over Republican pushback. May 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. government said Monday that new flights in the East Coast should save commuters time, though recent data show nearly a quarter of passenger flights have been delayed this year. I started waking up with bloody noses. trillion dollar corporate tax cutBost helped pass in 2017. deemed mentally incompetent the right to continue to own firearms, "I choked on the odor from the winds when they would pick up after a while. Democrats, including, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) argued that Republicans took out on the PACT Act their anger over a separate bill. These 11 GOP senators voted against the Honoring Our Pact Act by Brad Dress - 08/03/22 5:45 PM ET The U.S. Senate passed the Honoring Our PACT Act on "My concern about this bill has nothing to do with the purpose of the bill," Toomey said. During hearings, veteran and director of health policy at the American LegionKatie Purswelltold Congress that her exposure to burn pits during her time stationed overseas has left her weakened. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. 26 Apr 2023 18:30:33 The legislation also covers health benefits for other veterans exposed to chemicals, such as Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, during their military service. Some of those senators are veterans themselves. 27 Apr 2023 15:51:44 Google Pay. May 1 (UPI) -- Pushing for higher wages and retirement contributions, the union representing pilots for American Airlines said Monday that members have voted to strike. This is exactly how it played out as the final vote was 256-174, with just 34 Republicans voting over the whining criticisms from their fellow GOP members that this bill was too expensive. "I hope we learn a lesson. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. "The Veterans Health Administration welcomed 27,181 new hires in the first six months of the fiscal year, the highest hiring level in history," the VA said. ", Sick veterans demand medical coverage for illnesses caused by burn pits, The abortion ruling has troops and veterans speaking out, some for the first time, Veterans Say 'Burn Pits' Created Toxic Clouds That Made Them Sick, After spiking earlier talks, Manchin agrees to a new deal on climate and taxes, Jon Stewart Uses His Celebrity To Bring Attention To Vets Exposed To Burn Pits. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As most of us know, the GOPespecially under Minority Leader Mitch McConnellhas never done the right thing, so hopefully the pressure of midterm elections will force a few conservative senators to support the outcome of the wars they so love having kids fight for them and their donors. 11 Republicans voted against a bill Tuesday that proponents say would help veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service including both of Alabamas senators, Richard Shelby and Democrats are attempting to pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes a historic $369 billion to be spent over the next 10 years to address climate change, health care, inflation, and taxes. Toomey discusses why he voted against bill to help vets #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. "Well, screw that, they don't support veterans. But the vote was radically different from only a few weeks ago. McCarthy to Russian reporter: I do not support what your country has done to Saudi alfalfa sparks tension in Arizonas Sonoran Desert. ET: This article was updated to correct that veterans were exposed to burn pits before 9/11. While not all Republican senators who voted against the bill talked publicly about why they did so, Republican Senator Toomey said on the Senate floor that he voted against the bill because it would create $400 billion in unrelated spending. Of the 42 senators who voted against the Pact ACT, 41 were Republicans. WebRepublicans voted against the Pact Act because it would enable $400 billion over the next 10 years in spending completely unrelated to veterans. Half our revenue comes from readers like you, meaning we literally couldn't do this work without you. Crowds, high prices and the White Lotus effect: Worst places to travel Facebook privacy settlement: Who is eligible for a payment? When we decide we need to engage and initiate in a military action, we should understand that the cost is not just in our defense budget, but also in our veterans budget when they come home. In fact, Pelosi went on, the cost of this bill is a fraction if we're talking budget of the cost of the Republican tax bill that they passed in 2017, which added $2 trillion to the national debt. Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania has objected since June to a provision in the legislation language that would move $400 billion in preexisting discretionary veterans spending to make it mandatory spending. We should absolutely help veterans who have contracted illnesses as a direct result of toxic exposure during their service. Eleven Republican senators voted Tuesday against a bipartisan measure, the PACT Act, that is designed to help veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while deployed abroad. News emerged that there is an agreement that makes it likely that a climate change bill is going to proceed on the Senate floor, and magically 30 votes flip.. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made this point in her remarks before the bill was passed, reminding the House GOP that The budget costs of it are a cost of war. The Hill has reached out to all 11. May 1 (UPI) -- First Republic Bank was sold Monday to JPMorgan Chase, as regulators seek to calm a turbulent banking sector that has seen three U.S. banks fail in less than two months. Site content may be used for any purpose without explicit permission unless otherwise specified. The vote was a surprise, as the bill was originally passed by the Senate 84-14 on June 16 and received overwhelming Republican support. Don't ever thank me for my service again.". In June, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision in favor of a veteran whose case was related to burn pit exposure in Torres v. Texas Department of Public Safety. Heath Robinson, whom the bill is named after. hide caption. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that more than 500,000 claims have been filed since President Biden signed the PACT Act, which makes it easier for veterans to file claims based on exposure to toxic substances. Senate Republicans threatened to burn a bill that would have helped veterans. Activists had spent a dozen years campaigning for such an expansion a period during which they lost many of their own, including Sgt. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. April 26 (UPI) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that more than 500,000 claims have been filed since President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law in August. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare . Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont. ", We'll never be able to repay the debt we owe to those who have worn the uniform, but today, Congress delivered on a promise to our veterans and their families.The PACT Act will be the biggest expansion of VA health care in decades. The U.S. Senate passed the Honoring Our PACT Act on Tuesday night in an 86-11 vote, expanding health care for 3.5 million of Americas veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits in the post 9/11-era. We have a collective responsibility to the veterans who have served our country, and I would support legislation that better targets disability eligibility requirements based on scientific evidence and research, the senator added. Unfortunately, 25 Senators recently voted to block the passage of the PACT Act. 27 Apr 2023 16:47:42 These are the Republican Senators who voted against the bill: Only one Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, voted against the bill. 1 killed in shooting at Massachusetts house party, Daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Shaquil Barrett drowns in family pool, Chicago mayor calls on Texas to cease sending migrants to the city, Biden shows support for free press at White House Correspondents' dinner. The new legislation would expand care to 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to burn pits, adding 23 toxic and burn pit exposure-related illnesses to the VA database. Congress has an obligation to ensure the VA can effectively and efficiently implement any comprehensive toxic exposure legislation and, unfortunately, I continue to have reservations about the Departments ability to do so, he told the news outlet. Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. But these 11 GOP senators still voted against the package on final passage. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in love, or are they good actors? Many of the House supporters of the bill are hopeful that the 40 veterans organizations that are behind it can createthe right amount of pressure to get the Senate to do the right thing. More than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure "This budgetary gimmick is so unrelated to the actual veterans' issue that has to do with burn pits, that it's not even in the House version of this bill.". "My colleagues can make up all sorts of excuses as to why they decided to change their vote for this bill, but the bottom line is, veterans will suffer and die as a result on behalf of these excuses, and that's why we've got to pass this bill," he said. Steve Daines and Roger Wicker voted against the bill after not voting in June. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. In a 2019 speech to the Service Employees International Union, then-candidate Biden said because of his son's "exposure to burn pits, in my view, I can't prove it yet, he came back with stage four glioblastoma.". Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. A bill aimed at protecting veterans exposed to toxic materials during their service was shut down yesterday in the Senate, in a 55 to 42 vote that failed to meet the 60-vote threshold necessary to advance the legislation. May 1 (UPI) -- Former President Donald Trump on Monday morning requested a mistrial in E. Jean Carroll's federal civil lawsuit against him, charging that U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan has made numerous "unfair" rulings against him. The PACT Act would reclassify nearly $400 billion in VA funding, allowing Dems to instead spend that on their liberal wish list, he wrote. Lorsque vous utilisez nos sites et applications, nous utilisons des, authentifier les utilisateurs, appliquer des mesures de scurit, empcher les spams et les abus; et. "The embarrassment is just going to keep growing over this," Laura Harth, the campaign director at Safeguard Defenders, told Newsweek. Eleven Republican senators voted Tuesday against a bipartisan measure, the PACT Act, that is designed to help veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. Don't ever thank us for our service again. On Tuesday night, Lummis said 168,000 vets were currently waiting for VA services, which she called unacceptable.. Please enter a valid email and try again. ", Mr. Biden said after the vote that he looks forward to signing the bill "so that veterans and their families and caregivers impacted by toxic exposures finally get the benefits and comprehensive health care they earned and deserve. Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of the late Sgt. The GOP came under tremendous pressure to shift from veterans who were camped out on the U.S. Capitol steps. The Democratic candidate for an open Senate seat in Missouri, Lucas Kunce, echoed the sentiment in an interview with Vox. As Title 42 comes to an end, El Paso declares state of emergency. By submitting your email, you agree to our. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! It had been hailed as the largest expansion of care in VA history, and was expected to cost $280 billion over a decade. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. All present Democrats and 8 Republicans voted to advance the legislation but 41 Republican Senators voted against the bill, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn R-TN., U.S. soldiers have been exposed to a large number of toxins in various conflicts, including Iraq (pictured), where burning oil wells released toxic fumes. Nous, Yahoo, faisons partie de la famille de marques Yahoo. The PACT Act "expands VA benefits for veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances," according to the VA. Additionally, the law adds more than 20 so-called "presumptive conditions," which don't require veterans to prove their condition is related to military service because it is presumed the health issues are service-related. Trump motion to declare mistrial in E. Jean Carroll lawsuit denied, U.S. to let Afghan evacuees renew temporary legal status, Tornado hits Virginia Beach, likely damaging hundreds of homes, First Republic Bank seized by regulators, then sold to JPMorgan Chase, Texas man who lost wife and son in shooting shares story, Supreme Court to hear case that could curb power of federal agencies, Mental health of LGBTQ youth worsening in current "hostile political climate", Waiter killed, woman wounded in shooting at popular New Orleans restaurant, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo found dead at 46, Senate passes aid for vets harmed by burn pits, Senate passes aid for veterans harmed by burn pits. The change effectively lifts a barrier for veterans seeking benefits for toxic exposure. "Promises were made and promises were broken," said Kristina Keenan of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If it is filibustered, the bill will need 60 votes including GOP support in order to pass. Apr. It could also allow Democrats to effectively spend the same money twice and enable hundreds of billions in new, unrelated spending on the discretionary side of the federal budget, McConnell said on Thursday. Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. "Now, more veterans will die waiting for help that was just within our reach but may never come. Ron DeSantis. And like Tillis, the senator raised additional concerns with wait times, suggesting the bill increases waiting periods at the VA and does not resolve lengthy backlogs for veterans seeking care. April 26 (UPI) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that more than 500,000 claims have been filed since President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law in August. The block caused backlash from veterans groups, lawmakers, and comedian and veterans' advocate Jon Stewart. "To date, VA has awarded more than $1 billion in earned benefits to Veterans and survivors who filed PACT Act-related claims," the VA said in a press release Wednesday. It now goes to President Joe Bidens desk to be signed into law. Acknowledging the public pressure, McConnell told NBCs Ali Vitali, Yeah, itll pass this week on Monday. I don't think my runtime has ever recovered. Shortly before the Senate voted Tuesday, Paul railed against the bill and said it would put the economy at risk. Mr. Biden has blamed burn pits for the health problems of his late son, Beau Biden, who died of a brain tumor in 2015. ", Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of the late Sgt. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. ", In an eleventh-hour act of cowardice, Republicans chose today to rob generations of toxic-exposed veterans across this country of the health care and benefits they've earned and so desperately need.Make no mistakethe American people are sick and tired of these games. Who's running for president in 2024? Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), who led opposition to the bill, expressed his desire for an amendment focused on budgetary spending. "You support the war machine. Republicans, including McConnell, claimed their opposition to the bill has been rooted in how spending would be approved. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. research and benefits for as much as 3.5 million veterans, What's the PACT Act? Tax cuts for the rich, cancer for our veterans. The bill easily passed the Senate in June only 14 GOP senators voted against it and the House followed suit a couple of weeks ago, passing the measure 342 to 88. The Senate on Tuesday night overwhelmingly approved the PACT Act, Twenty-five Republican senators who had voted for the bill in June voted against / CBS News. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare" RT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. "Kos" and "Daily Kos" are registered trademarks of Kos Media, LLC. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-11. Before the vote on final passage, the Senate agreed to three cost-controlling amendments on the bill, which led a number of Republicans to back it. The bill increases healthcare funding and access for military veterans. Daily Kos moves in solidarity with the Black community. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare" RT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. The Senate passed the PACT Act on Tuesday with the bipartisan support of 86 senators, with Rand Paul among 11 Republicans to vote against the bill. pic.twitter.com/l72HcsNJLw. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the United States House of Representativespassed HR 3967,the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. "Sens. WASHINGTON - Eleven Republicans voted Tuesday against a bill that funds research and benefits for as much as 3.5 million veterans who were impacted by toxic substances while they served. The measure, known as the PACT Act or the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxic bill, passed with an 86-11 vote. What does the PACT Act do? May 1 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana filed a lawsuit Monday challenging the censuring of transgender state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who has been barred from attending remaining sessions of the state House in person. Its not yet clear whether some Republicans will continue to fight against the bill if they dont get the changes they want. "They lived up to their oath! I, too, remain committed to Idaho veterans impacted by burn pits and toxic exposure and will continue to support bipartisan legislation that can withstand necessary fiscal standards to ensure solvency and endurance, not additional slush fund spending placed on the American people, he added. Veterans groups and activists are slamming Senate Republicans for blocking the measure, and have pledged to keep lobbying for it. The bill was only expected to pass in the Housebecause the Democratic Party holdsthe majority of seats. Correction 7/29/22, 9 a.m. In a nearly 10-minute speech, Jon Stewart unleashed his vitriol toward Senate Republicans over their votes against advancing the veteran-focused PACT Act.. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. They are: Sens. as well as other partner offers and accept our. WebRT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. All that means is they don't have to decide between their cancer drugs and their house.". The bill would also expand support for Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in places like American Samoa, Cambodia, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Laos and Thailand.

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