Chair Hoyer Applauds Veterans Affairs for Accelerating Health Care Eligibility Expansion Through the PACT Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Chair of the Regional Leadership Council Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) commended the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' announcement that all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits as of March 5 thanks to the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. That includes all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11. The expansion – one of the largest in the VA's history – advances the implementation of the PACT Act, allowing millions of Veterans to access lifesaving care years earlier than expected.

"We have a sacred duty to care for Veterans long after they take off the uniform," Congressman Hoyer said. "Just as I was proud to bring the PACT Act to the House Floor for a successful vote as Majority Leader in the 117th Congress, I'm pleased to play a leading role in implementing that historic law as Chair of the Regional Leadership Council in the 118th Congress. Our Council has worked closely with House Democrats, the Biden-Harris Administration, and Veteran Service Organizations to ensure our nation's Veterans can access the PACT Act's many benefits as quickly as possible. Today, millions of them can do so years ahead of schedule. I applaud Secretary McDonough for accelerating the PACT Act's timeline and look forward to continuing to work with him to implement the PACT Act and support our Veterans."