Biden in NH: PACT Act is part of 'obligation' to veterans
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
NASHUA — President Joe Biden on Tuesday criticized U.S. Senate Republicans who initially moved to block the PACT Act, which helps veterans exposed to toxic burn pits get health care.
Biden joined veterans and other supporters at the Westwood Park YMCA on Tuesday to announce 1 million claims have been approved through the PACT Act, which he signed into law in 2022.
“Only 1% of the American population risks everything to defend the other 99%. We owe you, and we owe you big,” Biden said. “America has a lot of obligations, but only one truly sacred obligation, and that’s to prepare those we send into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they come home. And if they don’t come home, care for their families.”
He said that the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act is a big step toward that obligation. The PACT Act provides benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and eased requirements veterans prove their conditions are from Agent Orange.
Biden criticized the 41 Republican U.S. senators who blocked the legislation, which was vigorously supported by comedian Jon Stewart, before it eventually passed in an 86-11 vote, with 11 Republicans voting against it.
In New Hampshire, Biden said 3,000 veterans and their families are helped by the PACT Act.
NH service member says PACT Act helps her
Master Sgt. Nicole Lyon, from Hudson, introduced Biden. She recounted her own experience with deadly toxins.
“I never expected the enemy to one day come in the form of deadly toxins in the ground and air,” Lyon said. “During my time overseas, I lived in places with direct exposure to open air burn pits, waste collection sites, sand, dust, chemicals, and other hazards. Since then, I’ve suffered from joint pain, migraines, reproductive disorders, neurological problems, skin issues, respiratory disorders, and more.”
While at first those disorders weren’t considered service related, she said, the PACT Act changed that and she can now access health care and medical treatment for her conditions.
A host of New Hampshire dignitaries joined the president: US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was the first to speak, followed by Sen. Maggie Hassan and Rep. Annie Kuster.
Tuesday marked Biden’s second trip to New Hampshire in 2024.
In March, Biden traveled to Goffstown, where he attacked former President Donald Trump and shared his plan for lowering health care costs.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Biden in NH: PACT Act is part of 'obligation' to veterans
