Just days after Jon Stewart’s viral expletive-filled tirade (and subsequent public spat with Texas senator Ted Cruz) thrust it into the spotlight, the Senate approved a long-awaited bipartisan bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
The bill, dubbed the PACT Act, expands healthcare for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their military service. The bill was passed by an overwhelming 86-11 vote, sending it to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Republicans cast all 11 votes against the bill.
The PACT Act is considered to be one of the largest and most significant expansions of VA benefits in history, providing an expected $280 billion. Under the bill, veterans will no longer be forced to prove that their illness was caused by toxic exposure in the military.