Congressman Gonzalez Votes to Honor Congress’ Promise to Toxic-exposed Veterans 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted for H.R. 3967, the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or Honoring Our PACT Act. This comprehensive piece of legislation will address the health issues that arise from toxic exposure while deployed and veterans' access to earned benefits and care.

"For far too long Congress has failed to take care of service members who have been exposed to some of the most toxic environments during deployment. We have a responsibility to address this issue and honor our promises to these brave men and women," said Congressman Gonzalez. "I am proud to vote for the PACT Act that will provide much needed care to over 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances. Congress and the Biden Administration must prioritize veterans and commit to taking care of those who bear the true cost of war."

The Honoring our PACT Act is a comprehensive legislative package that will increase healthcare coverage for over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. It will create presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans. This means that if a veteran served in a particular area at a certain time, they will be presumed to have been exposed to toxic substances and therefore potentially eligible for healthcare and benefits. This bipartisan legislation will also streamline the VA's presumption decision making process, so that Congress does not have to keep intervening, and our veterans don't have to wait decades for help. 

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