Senate advances Moran’s bill expanding health care for veterans exposed to burn pits

The U.S. Senate on Feb. 16 unanimously approved a bipartisan bill introduced earlier this month by U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) that would improve federal health care and services for United States military veterans exposed to toxic substances.

“Supporting our veterans has a way of bringing us together, and I appreciate my Senate colleagues understanding the urgency of this bill and working to quickly pass it by unanimous consent,” said Sen. Moran, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. 

The Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, S. 3541, which Sen. Moran cosponsored on Feb. 1 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), now moves for consideration to the U.S. House of Representatives, where its version, H.R. 6659, is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) and is being reviewed by members in the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Addressing the needs of veterans exposed to burn pits cannot wait, and I urge my colleagues in the House to follow suit, pass this important legislation and bring us one step closer to fulfilling our duty to post-9/11 veterans,” said Sen. Moran.

Sen. Tester, chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said lawmakers are committed to addressing toxic exposures in a comprehensive and bipartisan way.

“Our bill is a necessary step in connecting an entire generation of veterans with the VA care they need and cannot wait for any longer,” he said. “This kind of swift action is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all row in the same direction, and I encourage my House colleagues to join us in getting this bill across the finish line to quickly deliver relief where it’s most needed.” 

The bill is supported by several veterans service organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Wounded Warrior Project, the Military Officers Association of America, and the American Legion.