Dear Colleague on Provisions of the PACT Act

Dear Democratic Colleague,

On Wednesday, with the stroke of President Biden's pen, the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act became the law of the land. This landmark legislation will secure access to life-saving care for the 3.5 million veterans exposed to deadly toxins in the line of duty, as well as empower those harmed by water exposure at Camp Lejeune to have their day in court.

This proud, patriotic victory would not have been possible without years of persistence by our distinguished Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mark Takano. He brings to this task a family tradition of patriotism and sacrifice. Veterans Service Organizations, so essential to the legislation's passage, have recognized Chairman Takano's inspiring vision and masterful leadership in the House.

It is crucial that we work together to spread the word to our constituents about how and when they can start applying for these life-saving benefits.

Immediately upon the signing of PACT Act: the Department of Veterans Affairs began honoring claims reflecting the 23 new conditions and cancers included in the legislation to qualify for presumptive eligibility for VA benefits. Constituents can access the list of qualifying conditions here: https://www.va.gov/pact. If your constituents qualify, they should file a claim immediately.

Over the next ten years: those who have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins,but don't yet have one of the 23 presumptive conditions orcancers, will see their eligibility for VA health care phased in. This includes those who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity while serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training; and those who served in certain locations during specific periods of time.

More information is available in this factsheet and on this VA website. Members and staff may also contact the Committee on Veterans' Affairs with any questions.

In addition, the law provides potential legal remedies in federal court for those who resided, worked or were exposed for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 to water at Camp Lejeune, and were harmed by such exposure.

We must ensure our heroic veterans can avail themselves of the benefits they need, they earned and they deserve. Let us again salute the relentless leadership of Chairman Takano, as well as Representatives Ruiz, Cartwright, Brownley, Luria, Underwood, Trone and Slotkin, who have ensured these crucial veteran benefits are now the law of the land.

We must honor our sacred promise: just as the military leaves no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home.

Thank you for your continued leadership to put People Over Politics.

NANCY