[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           EXPANDING BENEFITS FOR VETERANS EXPOSED TO TOXINS

  (Mr. KAHELE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KAHELE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Honoring our PACT Act.
  The PACT Act will finally expand benefits and comprehensive 
healthcare for millions of veterans who have been exposed to toxic 
substances while serving their country.
  Included in this bill is the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare 
Parity Act, championed by my dear friend, the late Congressman Mark 
Takai, who served his country admirably as a lieutenant colonel in the 
Hawaii Army National Guard and as Hawaii's First Congressional District 
Representative.
  The United States conducted 43 nuclear tests on Enewetak Atoll, 
located in the Marshall Islands. In the 1970s, U.S. servicemembers 
risked their lives to clean radioactive material from Enewetak Atoll.
  Without the PACT Act, veterans who served at Enewetak are not 
eligible for much-needed benefits.
  I am honored to continue Congressman Mark Takai's legacy by proudly 
casting my vote for the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure that we improve 
on our sacred obligation to care for our veterans and their families.

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