The American Legion is hosting a panel discussion on Capitol Hill today to mark the second anniversary of The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the most extensive expansion of healthcare and benefits in VA history.
This bill focuses on healthcare, service-connection presumption, research, resources, and other issues concerning Veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Signed into law by President Joe Biden in August 2022, this bipartisan legislation, strongly supported by The American Legion, has expanded VA healthcare options and benefits for millions of Veterans exposed to toxins such as burn pits and Agent Orange and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras.
The discussion is focused on the VA’s success in screening over 1 million Veterans for toxic exposure and the ongoing efforts to efficiently manage Veterans identified with symptoms from burn pit exposure. The panel will include Danielle Robinson, widow of Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson, members of Congress, VA’s executive director for the PACT Act, an Iraq War Veteran, and medical professionals specializing in toxic exposure. Julia Mathis, The American Legion’s Legislative Director, will moderate the event.
The panel discussion took place from noon to 1 p.m. on July 11 at the House Veterans Affairs Committee Room, 364 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Expected participants included:
- Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., member of the House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee
- Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee
- Retired Army Col. Steve Miska, VA’s executive director of the PACT Act
- Danielle Robinson, widow of Sgt. First Class Heath Robinson
- Army Veteran Cynthia Daniels, who suffered toxic exposure in Iraq
- Dr. Robert Miller, who linked toxic lung injuries in Veterans to burn pit exposure
- Dr. Trishul Siddharthan, who has conducted clinical trials on toxic exposures
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.