Blackburn, Marsha (R-TN)

“Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits weeks after the measure initially sailed through the Senate with 84 votes, angering Democrats, veterans groups and comedian Jon Stewart, a leading proponent to aid the community.” ¹

“A bill aimed at protecting veterans exposed to toxic materials during their service was shut down yesterday in the Senate, in a 55 to 42 vote that failed to meet the 60-vote threshold necessary to advance the legislation. Of the 42 senators who voted against the PACT Act, 41 were Republicans.” ²

‘Republican lawmakers blocked passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate Wednesday that expands healthcare coverage for military veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits during their service.’ ³

In an eleventh-hour act of cowardice, Republicans chose today to rob generations of toxic-exposed veterans across this country of the health care and benefits they’ve earned and so desperately need.

Make no mistake—the American people are sick and tired of these games. pic.twitter.com/w2ZUcGzGpT

— Senator Jon Tester (@SenatorTester) July 27, 2022

“He was among the veterans, military family members and advocates staged on the Capitol steps for the fourth night on Sunday, pledging to remain until Congress passes a bill that covers health care for those exposed to toxins while serving in uniform. Earlier that day, the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs warned that a new Republican proposal could leave the agency “rationing” veterans’ health care. GOP lawmakers blocked the aid from passing last week in what comedian Jon Stewart, a longtime veterans advocate, blasted as “a disgrace.”” ⁴

A Message to and from Mister Senator Ted Cruz…Attorney at Law#PassthePactact pic.twitter.com/QjGRGdPmq4

— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) July 29, 2022

1. The Washington Post, Eugene Scott and Mike DeBonis, July 28, 2022 – Senate Republicans block bill to help veterans exposed to burn pits
2. Newsweek, Giulia Carbonaro, July 28, 2022 – These 41 Senate Republicans Voted Against Veterans’ Healthcare—Full List
3. The Hill, Brad Cress, July 27, 2022 – GOP senators block bill expanding care for veterans exposed to toxins
4. The Washington Post, Maria Luisa Paul, August 1, 20222 – Veterans call rejection of toxic-exposure bill ‘a slap in the face’