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President Biden signed into law a measure to improve federal health benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic smoke from burn pits while serving overseas.
In a ceremony that was equal parts a personal and political victory, Biden enacted the bill on Wednesday that he made a signature goal, not least because his late son, Beau Biden, died of cancer after serving in Kosovo and Iraq.
“We owe you,” Biden said in an emotional ceremony. “You’re the backbone. You’re the steel. You’re the sinew. You’re the very fiber that makes this country what it is.”
Biden was introduced by Danielle Robinson, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, who died of cancer two years ago. The legislation is named for him.
“Ours is just one story,” Robinson said. “So many military families have had to fight this terrible emotional battle. So many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses today.”
Biden addressed Robinson’s 9-year-old daughter, Brielle directly. “I know you miss your daddy. But he’s with you all the time,” he said. “He’s inside you. He’s going to whisper in your ear when you have hard decisions to make.”
Then he pointed out that Brielle was sitting next to his grandson, the son of Beau Biden.
“His daddy lost to the same burn pits,” Biden said. “He knows what you’re going through.”
It was the most direct link the president has publicly drawn between Beau’s fatal brain cancer and burn pits. The president made addressing the problem one of his priorities during his State of the Union address in March
The bill marks the culmination of the years-long fight to help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while serving abroad.
Burn pits were used in Iraq and Afghanistan to dispose of chemicals, cans, tires, plastics, medical equipment and human waste. However, 70% of disability claims involving exposure to the pits, were denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The legislation will direct officials to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, helping veterans get disability payments without having to prove the illness was the result of their service.
“My message to 3.5 million veterans who are possibly affected by burn pits: Don’t be afraid to come forward, come forward,” said John Feal, a staunch advocate for veterans and 9/11 first responders.
“At last, today, we are honoring the service members and their families who have given everything for our country,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who actively worked with colleagues and veterans alike to ensure passage of the bill
The legislation is projected to cost about $280 billion over the next decade.
Veterans groups and comedian Jon Stewart called Republicans hypocrites weeks prior for giving lip service to vets while refusing to vote for their health care.
Stewart enjoyed a shout-out from Biden as well as a standing ovation at the White House bill signing ceremony.
Eight-year-old Isabelle Cancelino called the ceremony a bittersweet moment as she recalled her late father, Joe Cancelino, an NYPD sergeant who died of a rare cancer after being stationed near a burn pit in Iraq.
“I’m sad my dad passed away, but that’s why we joined (the fight for) burn pits (legislation),” the little girl said.
New York City Mayor Adams said the impact would be felt widely in the five boroughs.
“Our veterans put their health and lives on the line to protect our freedoms. The PACT Act is the least we can do to honor and care for our nation’s bravest once they return home,” Adams said in a statement.
Although the provision involving burn pits has garnered the most attention, other health care services will be expanded as well.
Veterans who have served since the Sept. 11 attacks will have a decade to sign up for VA health care, double the current five years.
The legislation also benefits Vietnam War veterans, adding hypertension to the list of ailments presumed to be caused by Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the U.S. military to clear vegetation.
In addition, veterans who served during the war in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll will also be considered to have been exposed to the chemical.
The legislation is considered to be the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in more than three decades, but it became an unlikely political football shortly before it passed.