The bipartisan legislation Republican senators delayed and disastrously embarrassed themselves over in a partisan tantrum was finally signed into law by President Joe Biden Wednesday. The law provides dramatically expanded benefits to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who were exposed to toxic burn pits during their service. Their survivors will also be eligible for benefits.
“This is the most significant law our nation has ever passed to help millions of veterans who are exposed to toxic substances during their military services,” Biden said during the bill signing. “I was going to get this done, come hell or high water.”
Or obstructive Republicans who decided that the bill they had originally passed with a large majority couldn’t be passed again when it came back to the Senate from the House because they were angry that Democrats had reached a deal to pass the climate and health care bill Sens. Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin negotiated. So they blocked it, bringing the wrath of a nation, and—bad miscalculation on their part—
Jon Stewart, on their heads.
The bad PR brought them around, and they
passed the bill on a second go in early August. The new law will expand the Department of Veterans Affairs health care eligibility to veterans who might be or are affected by exposure to toxic burn pits, and gives a longer period for veterans to enroll following exposure, from five years to 10 for post-9/11 combat veterans.
It makes it easier for veterans to qualify for service-connected health care, and includes 23 ailments as qualifying for those benefits. It extends the benefits to those veterans survivors. I also funds new toxic-exposure research, and will try to expand screening for exposure-related illnesses for veterans enrolled in VA health care.
Danielle and Brielle Robinson, the wife and daughter of the late U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, introduced Biden at the signing ceremony. Robinson spoke about the death of her husband, whose name is included in the long title of the bill. She said the joy of his return from service turned into “the biggest nightmare of our lives” after he was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 lung cancer 10 years later. “Ours is just one story,” she said. “So many military families have had to fight this terrible emotional battle. So many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses. Today, too many have succumbed to those illnesses, as well.”
“I’m just in awe of your family’s courage,” Biden told the Robinsons. “I really mean that. Through the pain, you found purpose to demand that we do better as a nation. And today, we are.”
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