Bipartisan legislation sponsored on March 23 by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) would reform how America’s military veterans who were exposed to toxic substances receive health care and benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Sen. Tillis introduced the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Act, S. 927, with six original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
“Our brave veterans risked their lives to protect our country and it’s our job to make sure they are supported back home, even years after they served,” Sen. Tillis said. “The TEAM Act ensures that all veterans are given a fair and uniform process to receive the health care and benefits to which they are entitled following exposure to toxicants during their service.”
If enacted, S. 927 would cover free treatment for conditions related to toxic exposures and permit enrolled veterans to pay a copay for treatment of unrelated conditions, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.
Additionally, the bill would expand access to health care for veterans exposed to toxins and establish an independent scientific commission tasked with researching the health effects of such toxic exposure and reporting its findings to the VA and Congress, the summary says.
“As a senator from North Carolina, I know firsthand the obstacles thousands of veterans who have been exposed to toxicants while serving have had to overcome, including many stationed at Camp Lejeune who spent decades pushing for documentation of their exposure and fair treatment for the damages caused by the military,” said Sen. Tillis. “This cannot continue to be the norm.”
Sen. Moran added that any veterans who are experiencing negative health effects of toxic exposures need to be able to rely on both the VA and Congress for help. “I am committed to working with my colleagues to make certain veterans who experience negative health consequences following exposure to dangerous chemicals where they were living and working while serving have access to an enduring framework, supported by science, to identify, research and address cases of toxic exposure in a timely manner,” he said.
Veterans “should not have to wage war against the federal bureaucracy to receive proper medical care,” added Sen. Blackburn. “This legislation will open up access to critical treatment for veterans exposed to toxic substances.”
The Toxic Exposures in The American Military (TEAM) Coalition, which originally developed the measure, has endorsed S. 927.