U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) on Feb. 9 sponsored a bipartisan, bicameral bill to improve health care and services for United States military veterans exposed to toxic substances.
“I appreciate the bipartisan support for this bill from my House and Senate colleagues and from the veteran community,” said Rep. Bost, ranking member of the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
The Health Care for Burn Pits Veterans Act, H.R. 6659, which Rep. Bost introduced alongside 24 original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), would expand eligibility for care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to post-9/11 combat veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their military service, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bost’s office.
U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Senate version of the bill, S. 3541, on Feb. 1. The Senate bill has 17 additional cosponsors.
“To be clear, our work to improve benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans will be far from over if this bill becomes law,” Rep. Bost said. “But this will be a lifesaving first step for the many veterans whose time will run out if they don’t get the care they need now.”
If enacted, the measure also would advance research into the health effects of toxic exposure and improve training for VA health care and benefits staff, the bill summary says.
The Health Care for Burn Pits Veterans Act is supported by several veteran service organizations, including the American Legion.