Released 3/27/21 at Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Marco Rubio Introduce | Tags:
Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, championed in the House by Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D (D-CA) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This bill would streamline the process for veterans to obtain VA benefits for illness due to exposure to burn pit and other toxic exposures. Approximately 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to burn pits that spewed toxic fumes and carcinogens into the air.
“We applaud Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Rubio, Rep. Ruiz, and Rep. Fitzpatrick for their commitment to servicemembers and veterans who have been dying and suffering from the devastating illnesses as a result of their exposure to toxic emissions from burn pits,” said National Veterans Legal Services Program Executive Director Bart Stichman. “This legislation does for victims of toxic exposures and burn pits what the Agent Orange Act did for veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. This presumption of exposure and service connection is long overdue for veterans who were exposed to toxic emissions.”