Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) voted for H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021. This legislation ensures that veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and burn pits while serving in uniform get the health care they have earned and creates a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers. Rep. Kuster has been a strong advocate for Granite State service members, veterans, and their families throughout her career, and advocated on behalf of veterans exposed to toxic waste as a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee. 

“We can’t wait any longer to provide care and benefits to all of our nation’s veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving our country,” said Rep. Kuster. “Today, the House of Representatives took action to make good on our promise to our veterans by addressing the full range of issues impacting those exposed to toxic chemicals and ensuring they receive the necessary benefits and care. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country — they shouldn’t have to worry about receiving care for injuries sustained while in uniform.”

The Honoring our PACT Act will: 

• Provide Priority Group 6 health care for certain toxic exposed veterans;
• Provide extension of combat eligibility for health care from 5 to 10 years with a one-year open enrollment period for those veterans who missed their window;
• Establish a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to burn pits/airborne hazards exposure;
• Improve data collection between VA and the Department of Defense; and
• Require VA to conduct outreach and provide resources to toxic exposed veterans.

This year, President Biden signed Rep. Kuster’s bipartisan legislation, the Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act, into law, finally granting the members of the top-secret WWII Ghost Army the long-overdue recognition they deserve.

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