[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OUR PACT ACT OF 2021

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, finally, on the PACT Act, today, the 
Senate is going to adopt a motion to proceed to Honoring our PACT Act, 
and my colleague from Montana, chair of our Veterans' Committee, who 
has worked so hard on this, will speak about that shortly, in a moment.
  The PACT Act is one of the most important veteran healthcare bills 
this Chamber has considered in decades. Yesterday, the Senate invoked 
cloture on the motion to proceed by a whopping 86 votes.
  Three and a half million veterans--three and a half million--have 
been likely exposed to toxic chemicals in the line of duty since 2001. 
Over the years, these toxic exposures have led to terrible healthcare 
complications that have cut too many lives short and burdened far too 
many of our Nation's heroes.
  Tragically, many of our Nation's veterans have been unable to access 
the care they need because of outdated VA rules that dictate 
eligibility for benefits. The PACT Act would fix that for some of the 
biggest reforms to the VA ever.
  It is a no-brainer to move forward on a bill to take care of veterans 
who have been exposed to toxins in the line of duty. We cannot let 
dilatory or destructive amendments stand in the way of the need of our 
veterans' dire and crucial needs.
  Again, last night's vote was overwhelmingly bipartisan. There is no 
reason for us not to pass this important, vital, sensible bill A-S-A-P. 
Every one of us in this Chamber has heard from a military servicemember 
who is struggling to afford quality healthcare, and this is one of the 
best steps the Senate can take to improve the lives of those who have 
given their all for our country.
  Veterans service organizations across the country are urging the 
Senate to act, so let's get this bill passed with the same bipartisan 
good will that has characterized the negotiations to date.
  I yield the floor.

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