Unfortunately, Senator Schumer did not allow an amendment process, so the bill went through as written. These are all the Republican Senators who voted Don't ever thank me for my service again.". Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. "The American people are sick and tired of the games that go on in this body. 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. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. What the hell? | July 31, 2022 1:00 AM. I don't think my runtime has ever recovered. 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. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. He served near a burn pit during his deployments to Kosovo and Iraq with the Ohio National Guard, and died of a rare cancer in 2020. In remarks on the Senate floor, he decried it as a "budgetary Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Known as the PACT Act, the bill no longer would force generations of veterans to prove that their illness was caused by toxic exposures suffered in the military in order to get VA coverage. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against advancing it this time. as well as other partner offers and accept our. What does the PACT Act do? 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. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare . WASHINGTON - Eleven Republicans voted Tuesday against a billthat fundsresearch and benefits for as much as 3.5 million veterans who were impacted by toxic substances while they served. In remarks on the Senate floor, he decried it as a "budgetary gimmick" that would create $400 billion in unrelated spending by moving it from the discretionary to mandatory category. I started waking up with bloody noses. Melissa Quinn contributed to this report. "More than 3 million veterans have received VA's new toxic exposure screenings since President Biden signed the PACT Act into law, with approximately 42% reporting a concern of exposure," the VA said. After days of backlash, lawmakers are set to reconsider the bill in a Senate vote this week, with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell telling NBC News that he expects it will pass. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Biden, Marcos to discuss U.S.-Philippines partnership in White House meeting. Ways to get involved in the upcoming elections. article ul li { list-style: disc; padding: 5px 0; } 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the United States House of Representativespassed HR 3967,the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. Speaking for The American Legion during a Thursday press event on Capitol Hill, American Legion Legislative Director Lawrence Montreuil called Heath Robinson, whom the bill is named after. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against advancing it this time. Ron DeSantis. You better deliver. 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. You just gave tax cuts in 2017 to the richest people in America. The Democratic candidate for an open Senate seat in Missouri, Lucas Kunce, echoed the sentiment in an interview with Vox. WebRepublicans voted against the Pact Act because it would enable $400 billion over the next 10 years in spending completely unrelated to veterans. 27 Apr 2023 16:47:42 You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. The vote was a surprise, as the bill was originally passed by the Senate 84-14 on June 16 and received overwhelming Republican support. The bill like many issues related to veterans' health had amassed deep bipartisan support, and easily passed the Senate by an 84-14 vote in June. 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. 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. New flights available after widespread delays in U.S. air travel. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. "Every single one has pictures with veterans on their Facebook pages, on their websites," said Susan Zeier, Heath Robinson's mother-in-law, outside the Capitol as her 9-year-old granddaughter wept nearby. 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. The final tally was 55-42 (with three senators abstaining), falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. The bill will fund research and benefits for as many as 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during service. With a slight majority that can be filibustered awayand at least two Democratic senators that have shown their corrupt asses by disappointing the American people, the absolutely made up right-wing trope of fiscal conservative concernmay leadto an unconscionablecompromise. It now goes to President Joe Bidens desk to be signed into law. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. The effort to block the legislation caused an uproar among veterans groups, with critics arguing that aid for veterans was being held hostage over GOP opposition to another measure, the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes significant amount of money to combat climate change and lower health care costs. This budgetary gimmick is so unrelated to the actual veterans issue that has to do with burn pits, that its not even in the House version of this bill.. Democrats, including, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) argued that Republicans took out on the PACT Act their anger over a separate bill. 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. Eleven Republican senators voted Tuesday against a bipartisan measure, the PACT Act, that is designed to help veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals These are the Republican Senators who voted against the bill: John A. Barrasso, WY 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. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. 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. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. Ernst's office said her opposition was due to the budget issue, while the others did not respond to NPR's request for comment. However, the scope and cost of this bill is astronomical and unjustified, he said, according to the remarks forwarded to The Hill. The bill increases healthcare funding and access for military veterans. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-11. Biden signs PACT Act to expand healthcare for vets exposed to toxic burn pits, Senate passes bill giving veterans healthcare coverage for burn pit afflictions, Biden signs 9 laws ensuring better healthcare for veterans. Veterans groups and activists are slamming Senate Republicans for blocking the measure, and have pledged to keep lobbying for it. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, otherwise known as the PACT Act, was introduced in June by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), who chairs the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, with the aim to address and fund health care, research, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits large trenches dug to burn and dispose of sewage, medical waste, and other trash during their service. But those same spending concerns didn't seem to pose an initial concern for the more than two dozen Republicans who voted for it last month only to abruptly change their stance. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. Activists had spent a dozen years campaigning for such an expansion a period during which they lost many of their own, including Sgt. Of the 42 senators who voted against the Pact ACT, 41 were Republicans. The PACT Act will secure benefits and care for Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan-era veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving overseas. 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. ", 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. John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, Roy Blunt, Mike Braun, Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Tom Cotton, Kevin Cramer, Ted Cruz, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Jim Inhofe, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy, Roger Marshall, Mitch McConnell, Rob Portman, Ben Sasse, Tim Scott, Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan and Todd Young. I have a strong record of supporting veterans to ensure they have access to high-quality health care, opportunities to thrive following their transition from the military and protecting their Second Amendment rights, Crapo said. "They lived up to their oath! Stewart noted at one point that the lawmakers being addressed were likely indoors enjoying air conditioning, ignoring the veterans at least one of whom was wearing an oxygen tube braving the scorching heat for over an hour to try to make their point. hide caption. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against Unfortunately, 25 Senators recently voted to block the passage of the PACT Act. Fortunately, the PACT Act has passed both chambers and was signed into law by the President today. PACT ACT explained:What's the PACT Act? NOW WATCH: Meet the Republicans who are Trump's likely successors. Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in love, or are they good actors? ", Tuberville, expressed his disapproval of the bill Tuesday in a tweet, saying "the bill will enable the VA to efficiently deliver care and benefits to veterans suffering from illnesses related to toxic exposure. The VA also announced a significant increase in staffing. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has been leading opposition to the bill, and voted against it both times. Acknowledging the public pressure, McConnell told NBCs Ali Vitali, Yeah, itll pass this week on Monday. "I choked on the odor from the winds when they would pick up after a while. Both chambers of Congress previously approved the bill, with the Senate voting 84-14 in June in favor, but the bill was forced into another vote after administrative issues were found in its text. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare . "This is a wonderful moment, especially for all the people who have made this happen who are observing it," Schumer said after the vote. Watching the final vote from the Senate gallery Tuesday night, comedian Jon Stewart, a vocal advocate for the bill and veterans, could be seen with tears in his eyes. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. How do you change your mind right when you're about to make a law that's gonna save lives? Democrats say the reason is over unrelated pending bills. More than 500,000 claims for toxic exposure "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. Can you donate $3 right now to help Daily Kos keep fighting? Stay up to date with what you want to know. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. 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. At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. The legislation also covers health benefits for other veterans exposed to chemicals, such as Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, during their military service. Trump calls for mistrial in civil rape case, says judge has made Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Senate finally was poised to pass a bill that would provide health care and benefits for millions of veterans injured by exposure to toxins, from Agent Orange in Vietnam to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The PACT Act will secure benefits and care for Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan-era veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving overseas. Don't ever thank us for our service again. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against May 1 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will welcome dozens of small business owners to the White House Monday to highlight private sector economic growth under his legislative agenda. Opposition from 25 Republican senators who changed their vote, citing concerns over how the measure was funded, stymied the bill last Wednesday. 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. "Now, more veterans will die waiting for help that was just within our reach but may never come. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The 86-to-11 vote was received with cheers from the Senate gallery. Don't ever thank us for our service again. The secret delegate battle that will decide the 2024 Republican nominee, The Dark Brandonmeme and why the Biden campaign has embraced it explained. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The bill The legislation again passed the House but failed to advance beyond a procedural vote in the Senate last week. In a Facebook live video Tuesday night, Lankford said the legislation limits access to outside physicians, creating roadblocks for veterans who wish to seek care at places other than the VA. Many want to go to a family physician or one thats closer to them, Lankford said. This bill would cost hundreds of billions of dollars at a time when the national debt is climbing over $30 trillion and inflation is at a 40-year high, Paul said on the Senate floor. The bill, called the Honoring our PACT Act, was approved by the House of Representatives in July. Many veterans come home suffering from serious short- and long-termillnessesrelated to this kind of exposure to toxic substances. Unfortunately, Democrats wrote in a $400 billion hole in the discretionary budget they can fill with spending totally unrelated to veterans, the spokesperson said. Good job, buddy! Republicans decision to oppose the bill has been met with massive backlash; veterans activist and former television host John Stewart has made numerous appearances calling on the GOP to return to backing the bill, including on Fox News. So, how did our senators and representatives vote on the Honoring our PACT Act In a statement, the senator said he is committed to ensuring health and disability benefits are provided to veterans exposed to toxic substances while on their tours of duty.. McCarthy to Russian reporter: I do not support what your country has done to Saudi alfalfa sparks tension in Arizonas Sonoran Desert. All 11 votes against the measure came from Republicans. So, I voted yes on a procedural vote to allow the Senate to begin debate on the bill. House passes PACT Act with 174 Republicans voting against veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, two Democratic senators that have shown their corrupt asses, the absolutely made up right-wing trope of fiscal conservative concern, Illinois Republican paper-punchingbezerker man Rep. Mike Bost. GOP senators vote against PACT act, a bill to help veterans impacted by toxic substances What does the PACT Act do? Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on climate change, health care and taxes. The block caused backlash from veterans groups, lawmakers, and comedian and veterans' advocate Jon Stewart. Donald Trump's attorney calls for mistrial in E. Jean Carroll case. 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 Kunce said he felt that many in the armed services assumed they wouldnt be put in such a harmful situation. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. ", 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. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", 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. Shelby tweeted Tuesday night that he remained a strong advocate for our veterans but could not support the $400 billion mandatory spending provision. I just can't take a deep breath anymore.". Today, The Breakfast Club gave Donkey of the Day to the 11 republicans that voted against the PACT Act that would provide aid to Veterans. afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss en fonction de vos profils de centres dintrt; mesurer lefficacit des publicits et contenus personnaliss; et. "I'm not sure I've ever seen a situation where people who have already given so much had to fight so hard to get so little," he said after the vote. First Class Heath Robinson, hugs Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) during Thursday's news conference. This opposition raised the question of why more than two dozen Republicans, many veterans themselves, voted for it earlier this summer but flipped last week. His office has said his proposed technical fix wouldn't reduce any spending on veterans or limit the expansion of care. Robinsons wife Danielle, an advocate for burn pit exposure victims who have been denied benefits, attended Bidens State of the Union address earlier this year. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! 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. They had voted for it the first time, they changed because they want to protest a separate bill is what I understand, he said. Confirm Anthony Johnstone to the Ninth Circuit, More than 800,000 could flee Sudan amid fighting, UN warns, Biden: Taxpayers not on the hook for First Republic failure, How an Uncommon Table can help bring our divided nation together, passed the Honoring Our PACT Act on Tuesday, Cardin wont seek reelection, opening up Maryland Senate seat, Schumer announces Senate hearings to expose GOP debt limit bill starting this week, EXCLUSIVE: Biden pick to head National Highway Traffic Safety Administration faces GOP roadblock, Montana legislator sues House speaker over censure, Supreme Court to consider overruling Chevron doctrine, McConnell insists hes sitting out debt talks to disbelief, Tucker Carlson, on leaked video, derides Fox streaming service, Senate rankings: Here are the 5 seats most likely to flip. 01 May 2023 00:46:03 After I got home, I had bronchitis for a year. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has been leading opposition to the bill, and voted against it both times. pic.twitter.com/w2ZUcGzGpT. But the vote was radically different from only a few weeks ago. Itwas a result of months of bipartisan negotiation, and it had already passed the Senate in June with strong Republican support. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Currently, more than 70 percent of disability claims related to burn pit exposure are denied by the VA due to veterans inability to prove their illnesses or cancers are linked to exposure to burn pits. Jon Stewart, Ted Cruz feud over bill to aid veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Senate passes PACT Act, latest effort in yearslong fight to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. hide caption. 26 Apr 2023 18:30:33 The 55-42 vote failed to meet the 60 votes necessary to advance the legislation. Veterans would not have to prove that their illnesses are directly related to burn pit exposure to receive disability payments and assistance. Kunce served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a Marine officer and was deployed in Iraq where he was stationed near a burn pit and developed a post-nasal drip due to his exposure. I don't think my runtime has ever recovered. The Hill has requested comment from Lees office. Unfortunately, 25 Senators recently voted to block the passage of the PACT Act. 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. 26 Apr 2023 18:16:45 The fight to make it harder for landlords to evict their tenants, On Succession, Sisyphus rolls the rock uphill. 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. 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 Robinson died in 2020 of a rare lung cancer he attributed to smoke exposure during his deployment in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. During the defense's cross-examination of E. Jean Carroll, Trump's attorney asked the writer why she "did not scream" when she was "supposedly raped.". Last week, sudden Republican opposition to the bill, called the PACT Act, left many veterans and their supporters shocked. PACT ACT: Senators, congressmen voted no. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against "The embarrassment is just going to keep growing over this," Laura Harth, the campaign director at Safeguard Defenders, told Newsweek. The bill initially passed the House and Senate in June, but due to a snag in the language, it had to go back to the House and Senate before it could be sent to President Biden's desk. By submitting your email, you agree to our. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare. How does this happen? 26 Apr 2023 18:30:33 Democrats argued the GOP was shifting its position because it was unhappy with a separate deal worked out by Sens. The Senate voted 84-14 last month in favor of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. First Class Heath Robinson, hugs Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) during Thursday's news conference. Speaking at Thursday's press conference, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called the situation "the worst form of overt politicization I've literally ever seen" and urged people to make sure those 25 senators understand that "they have just sentenced veterans to death because they will not have the healthcare they have earned. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against WebRT @RedTRaccoon: 217 Republicans just voted to cut the budget of Veterans Affairs. Something went wrong. Its not yet clear whether some Republicans will continue to fight against the bill if they dont get the changes they want. Tillis told the Raleigh News Observer he had doubts about the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to deal with backlogs and wait times for veterans seeking care. Sens. 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. Last week, sudden Republican opposition to the bill, called the PACT Act, left many veterans and their supporters shocked. ", Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of the late Sgt. The Senate Republicans who voted against the bill include: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Mike Crapo of Idaho, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Mike Lee of Utah, "This is a sad day in the U.S. Senate," Chairman of the Senate's Veterans' Affairs (VA) Committee and Montana's Democratic Senator Jon Tester said after the vote. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against

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