The PACT Act will aid veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals at North Carolina military bases Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. 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.. This gimmick allows $400B in spending completely unrelated to veterans care. Veteran AffairsCommittee chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) praised the work that was done on the bill he brought to the floor last year, saying,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.. 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. Rachel Bitecofer on Twitter: "RT @sfpelosi: Extreme The Senate on Tuesday night overwhelmingly approved the PACT Act, Twenty-five Republican senators who had voted for the bill in June voted against "I hope we learn a lesson. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. Fortunately, the PACT Act has passed both chambers and was signed into law by the President today. PACT The entire package was expected to cost some $278.5 billion over the next decade, according to estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The bill will fund research and benefits for as many as 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during service. Heres why. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on climate change, health care and taxes. 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. The block caused backlash from veterans groups, lawmakers, and comedian and veterans' advocate Jon Stewart. Thats a bit different from the 363-70 vote on theNational Defense Authorization Acta couple of months ago, where only 19 Republicans were worried about budgets when they added $25 billion on top of the already increased defense budget bill proposed by President Biden. Veterans groups and activists are slamming Senate Republicans for blocking the measure, and have pledged to keep lobbying for it. hide caption. Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. Republicans, including McConnell, claimed their opposition to the bill has been rooted in how spending would be approved. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said that he supports the substance of the bill, but not the "accounting gimmick," and accused Sen. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! Second of all, youve got no choice, right? On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the United States House of Representativespassed HR 3967,the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. 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. DBALLCAPS on Twitter: "RT @RedTRaccoon: 217 01 May 2023 00:46:03 The Hill has requested comment from Lees office. They are: Sens. WebRepublicans voted against the Pact Act because it would enable $400 billion over the next 10 years in spending completely unrelated to veterans. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-11. These 41 Senate Republicans Voted Against Veterans' If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. 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. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. 26Perhaps the biggest federal health care benefit for veterans in generations continues to get attention. 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 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. Pelosi made that point doubly clear at her press conference after the bill passed,saying,"For the Republicans to go to the floor and say their veterans really don't want this help with their health because it's going to cost money and they're more concerned about the budget than they are about their health, oh really? By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 27 Apr 2023 15:51:44 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. 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. ", 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. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. 11 Republicans Voted Against The PACT Act Providing Heath Robinson, whom the bill is named after. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. They had voted for it the first time, they changed because they want to protest a separate bill is what I understand, he said. 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. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Wednesday that over 500,000 claims have been filed since President Joe Biden signed the PACT Act into law 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. Here are the 11 senators who opposed the bill: PACT ACT passes: Senate passes PACT Act, latest effort in yearslong fight to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Toomey, who led the opposition to the measure, said in a tweet,"Tonight, the Senate voted to give us the chance to fix a completely unnecessary budget gimmick in the underlying text of the PACT Act. ), the chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, accused Senate Republicans of turning their backs on veterans and their families, in what he called an unacceptable "slap in the face" to service members. He also slammed Toomey's characterization of the bill's spending provision as a "slush fund," saying that the U.S. has much bigger funds without guardrails in support of its defense budget and overseas military operations. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. "I choked on the odor from the winds when they would pick up after a while. If it were to fail, the GOP would again find itself at the center of protests and accusations the party would like to avoid ahead of the midterms. If the PACT Act were targeted and if we could ensure the implementation of it by the VA would be executed in an efficient manner, I would have ", Susan Zeier, mother-in-law of the late Sgt. The bill, called the Honoring our PACT Act, was approved by the House of Representatives in July. RELEASE: President Signs Gottheimer Provision into "Kos" and "Daily Kos" are registered trademarks of Kos Media, LLC. It was difficult and painful to breathe. How do you change your mind right when you're about to make a law that's gonna save lives? We should all take pride in this moment. 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. 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. Instead of spending their last days with their families, they fought to help their fellow veterans," wrote veteran Ted Corcoran on Twitter. In remarks on the Senate floor, he decried it as a "budgetary Last week, sudden Republican opposition to the bill, called the PACT Act, left many veterans and their supporters shocked. Veterans would not have to prove that their illnesses are directly related to burn pit exposure to receive disability payments and assistance. The bill contains two major components: a grace period for veterans who served near burn pits to get medical care, and a policy that tells the VA how to approach certain illnesses and cancers. "Either way, this is not a good day for veterans in this country," he added. 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. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans. 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. vote against 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. 27 Apr 2023 16:47:42 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. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against If we pass the PACT Act, as is, that number jumps to over a million, she tweeted, offering another bill from her colleague, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), which would allow veterans to seek care at facilities in their communities. "The American people are sick and tired of the games that go on in this body. His office has said his proposed technical fix wouldn't reduce any spending on veterans or limit the expansion of care. 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. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont. 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. 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. NOW WATCH: Meet the Republicans who are Trump's likely successors. Actions speak louder than words, and you just showed us who you are. Acknowledging the public pressure, McConnell told NBCs Ali Vitali, Yeah, itll pass this week on Monday. I started waking up with bloody noses. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. 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. 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. Democrats argued the GOP was shifting its position because it was unhappy with a separate deal worked out by Sens. 26 Apr 2023 18:54:28 File Photo U.S. Navy/Arlo K. Abrahamson/UPI |, ACLU files suit against Montana House over censure of transgender lawmaker. 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. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others attend a news conference on Capitol Hill on Thursday, the day after Senate Republicans blocked a procedural vote to advance PACT Act. The protests and publicity are challenging the traditional narrative that the Republican Party stands by US troops. 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 secret delegate battle that will decide the 2024 Republican nominee, The Dark Brandonmeme and why the Biden campaign has embraced it explained. We CANNOT trust the same extreme MAGA Republicans who voted against PACT ACT vets cancer care to fund it - they wont! We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Burn pit veterans' bill: Who voted against the PACT Act? Don't ever thank us for our service again. 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. Don't ever thank me for my service again.". 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. Twenty-five Republicans who voted against the bill last week voted for a nearly identical version of the legislation in June. 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. GOP senators vote against PACT act, a bill to help veterans impacted by toxic substances What does the PACT Act do? 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. May 1 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden will meet with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos at the White House Monday to reaffirm U.S. defense commitments in Southeast Asia and to discuss ways to shore up an expanding military alliance. New flights available after widespread delays in U.S. air travel. ", Tillis said through a statement in June that "while well-intentioned, the PACT Act creates new promises to veterans while breaking existing ones, which is why I could not support its passage.". Good job, buddy! Forty Republicans voted against expanding access to healthcare to toxin-exposed veterans. 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. WebRT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. If you won't vote on this bill, you do not support veterans.". Senate Republicans blocked the PACT Act that would as well as other partner offers and accept our. However, last week 41Republicans blockedthe final passage of the legislation, arguing about how the legislation will be financed. McCarthy to Russian reporter: I do not support what your country has done to Saudi alfalfa sparks tension in Arizonas Sonoran Desert. Some of those senators are veterans themselves. #ProtectVeteransHealthCare" RT @sfpelosi: Extreme MAGA Republicans say they love our vets til its time to honor their service by funding their earned benefits. The act would allow these U.S. veterans to have more access to health care, but Paul said this could have dangerous economic implications. 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. But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against Top News U.S. News Cancers and other issues alleged to be related to burn pits can come years later, as happened to Sgt. Sens. 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. Remember that along with all the ones that voted against the PACT Act. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly. against We should absolutely help veterans who have contracted illnesses as a direct result of toxic exposure during their service. Unfortunately, 25 Senators recently voted to block the passage of the PACT Act. | July 31, 2022 1:00 AM. House passes PACT Act with 174 Republicans voting This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Daily Kos moves in solidarity with the Black community. Steve Daines and Roger Wicker voted against the bill after not voting in June. 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. Republicans are mad that Democrats are on the verge of passing climate change legislation and have decided to take out their anger on vulnerable veterans, Murphy argued. 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. You just gave tax cuts in 2017 to the richest people in America. Toomey argues that this changed designation frees up funds that could be used on items unrelated to veterans.