Welch Statement on 3rd Anniversary of PACT Act, Largest Expansion of Benefits for Veterans and Their Survivors in More Than 30 Years

Aug 7, 2025
BURLINGTON, VT– On Sunday, the nation celebrates the third anniversary the enactment of the bipartisanSergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, historic legislation to deliver benefits and care to veterans impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while serving, as well as their survivors. ThePACT Actwas championed Senator Welch as a member of the House of Representatives, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, and signed into law by President Biden. To date, more than1.8 millionPACT Actrelated claims have been approved, including over3,200in Vermont.Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)released the following statement:
“Three years ago, thePACT Acttook historic steps to ensure the cost of war includes the cost of caring for the warrior. This bipartisan legislation expanded benefits for servicemembers and opened doors to care for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service. But we can always do more to support veterans by expanding and improvingPACT Actbenefits. That includes for Vermont and New Hampshire veterans who served in Kosovo and those still living with long-term health consequences of toxic exposure from burn pits. Congress must pass my bipartisan, bicameral bills to continue improve care for veterans and eliminate burn pits once and for all.”
Senator Welch has championed efforts to limit toxic substance exposure among veterans, including supporting legislation to educate servicemembers on the impact of burn pits and other airborne hazards and improve data collection on veterans affected by toxic exposure to improve health care delivery. Last month, Senator Welch introduced theWaste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Actand theHealth Records Enhancement Act,bipartisan, bicameral bills that would improve, expand, and enhance protections for veterans under thePACT Actin addition to eliminating burn pits to help prevent future toxic exposure cases. TheWIPE Act’sprovisions prohibiting the use of open-air burn pits and authorizing the use of alternative disposal systems were included in the Senate’sNational Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).
In February, Senator Welch led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameralDriver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act, legislation to bring reimbursement rates for veterans travelling to receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care up to current federal standards. Last Congress, abipartisan amendmentled by Sen. Welch requiring the VA to conduct a review on mortality and toxic exposure data for Veterans who served in Kosovo passed with bipartisan support.
Senator Welch’s talented team of caseworkers can help Veterans, families, and survivors with casework related to the VA, as well as other federal agencies. Vermont veterans and servicemembers seeking assistance are encouraged to visitwelch.senate.govor call his Burlington office: 802-863-2525.
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