A bill signing is scheduled Wednesday in Washington DC for the federal PACT Act; legislation providing expanded medical care for veteran who were exposed to toxins during their military service. John Wells is chairman of the Slidell-based Military Veterans Advocacy. He says PACT – for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics – will benefit about 3 & ½ million veterans nationwide.
“That includes those that were susceptible to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, radiation cleanup in Eniwetok…Palomares, Spain and in Uzbekistan,” Well says.
The PACT Act provides for expedited health care for vets who were exposed to toxins in the line of duty. It will also provide compensation for those unable to work because of such exposure. Wells says the money will help to do a lot of good…”
“It’s going to be about $280-billion in veterans benefits over ten years. It’s going to cover a lot of folks who’ve been suffering for a lot of years.”
The PACT Act also provides for veterans to receive care at private medical facilities, in the absence of Veterans Administration care.
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