WATCH LIVE: Jon Stewart joins lawmakers to push PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits
PBS NewsHourDec 27, 2022
Veteran's Healthcare Act Stalled by Senate Procedural Vote
Image copyright:Â Getty Images [via The Guardian]
The Facts
The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act failed to advance past a Senate procedural vote Wed., after 41 Republicans blocked the measure, putting its final passage in doubt.
The PACT Act would support treatment for 23 illnesses caused by exposure to smoke from "burn pits" for Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Other provisions include new benefits for veterans who faced radiation exposure during the Cold War, and Agent Orange coverage for veterans who served in neighboring countries during the Vietnam War.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The failure of this bill is a devastating betrayal of sick veterans by Republicans. Many of these lawmakers claim to be dedicated to veterans' issues and use veterans for shameless social media photo opportunities and campaign platforms - but they fail them when it really matters.
Republican narrative
This is Democrat hysteria - this bill isn't dead yet. If Democrats permit the reasonable amendments Republican senators are requesting to prevent reckless spending and growth-killing regulation from making the veterans' situation worse, this bill can be fixed quickly and become law.
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