WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Lawmakers and Advocates Applaud PACT Act's 1 million Approved Claims

Earlier this week, President Biden announced that one million claims have been approved under the historic PACT Act, which has transformed the lives of many veterans and their families. President Biden believes we have a sacred obligation to care for those we send into harm's way and to care for them and their families when they return home. It is why he made supporting veterans and their families a key priority of his Unity Agenda for the nation and why he fought to ensure that veterans exposed to toxic substances, and their survivors, could get the benefits they deserve. Through the PACT Act and the President's Unity Agenda, the Biden-Harris Administration is focused on supporting those who served our country and making sure they receive the benefits and health care that they earned.

See below for what they are saying:

Elected Officials:

Senator Jon Tester, Montana and Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs: "NEW: My PACT Act has delivered long-overdue benefits to more than ONE MILLION veterans exposed to toxins during their service. We fought like hell to pass this law to honor our nation's promise to our vets—and this milestone shows the law is working for them and their families." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Majority: "BIG NEWS: VA just granted its ONE MILLIONTH claim under Chairman @SenatorTester 's PACT Act. This is a huge milestone for generations of toxic-exposed veterans and survivors who are now receiving long-overdue benefits under this game-changing law." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York: "Thanks to the PACT Act I helped lead, the Biden admin has approved over a million claims from over 888,000 veterans still suffering from burn pit exposure. The PACT Act is delivering on its promise and helping our veterans get the care and benefits they deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

"Today, President Biden will announce some very good news – it's very good news – for our nation's veterans: the Biden Administration has now approved over 1 million claims from over 888,000 veterans still suffering from burn pit exposure, thanks to our PACT Act.

When we passed the PACT Act two years ago, it was the most significant expansion of veterans' health care benefits in generations. It sent a message to our veterans suffering from cancer, lung disease, and other ailments from burn pits that we are here for you. I'm glad the PACT Act is delivering on its promise and helping our veterans get the care and benefits they deserve. And like the gun bill I mentioned before, and like the IRA and like the CHIPS and Science Bill, it reminds us of when Democrats led in the House, in the Senate, and have the presidency, we got so much done for the American people." [Remarks, 5/21/2024]

Senator Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin: "Every single one of these veterans earned these benefits, but for too long [had] denied them. I am so proud that our PACT Act is upholding our promise to our veterans and delivering the care they deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire: "Glad to join @POTUS in Nashua today to mark 1 million claims approved under the historic PACT Act and to thank our veterans and those who work every day in the Granite State to ensure that veterans receive the care and benefits they've earned over their years of service." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire: "Proud to join @POTUS in Nashua today to mark the one millionth claim approved under the PACT Act & honor all of the veterans who are now getting care they have earned & deserve. It's not over – I will keep working to address the priorities of NH's service members & veterans." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio: "NEWS: The PACT Act has now helped ONE MILLION veterans. What started as an idea from Ohio veterans & their families sparked a national movement. Now, nearly 32,000 veterans in Ohio — and a million across our country — are getting the care they earned through their service." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

"This law is the most comprehensive expansion of health care for veterans who faced toxic exposure in our country's history. Now it's making sure nearly 32,000 veterans in Ohio — and a million across our country — are getting the care they earned through their service. This is just the beginning – we'll keep working to get the word out to veterans across Ohio. If you were exposed to toxins while serving our country, you deserve the care you earned. Period. No exceptions." [Statement, 5/21/2024]

Senator Debbie Stabenow, Michigan: "Since it was signed into law, over 1 million PACT Act related claims have been granted to America's veterans. We must uphold every promise we've made to our veterans – including quality health care – and Democrats are delivering on those promises." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York: "For years, veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins were denied the health care and benefits they earned. But thanks to the PACT Act, over 1 million[s] of their claims have been approved, and they're getting the care they deserve. Go to http://VA.gov/PACT now." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Ben Cardin, Maryland: "We are forever indebted to our veterans for their immeasurable sacrifices. The PACT Act fulfills our promise to care for those who have served our nation. Two years later, 1 million claims have been granted. Many more to come." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Gary Peters, Michigan: "Incredible news! The PACT Act has helped one million veterans — including over 21,000 Michiganders — access life-changing VA benefits. My office stands ready to help if you need any help navigating the application process. You can reach out to us." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Chris Coons, Maryland: "It's great to see President Biden's PACT Act delivering results! I'm glad over 1 million American veterans who've suffered from toxic exposures, such as those who worked near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, have benefitted from this critical legislation." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator John Fetterman, Pennsylvania: " Thanks to the leadership of @SenatorTester and @SVACDems , VA granted one million PACT Act claims The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans health care & benefits, and has helped veterans of all generations across the Commonwealth. More info: http://VA.gov/PACT" [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Tim Kaine, Virginia: "I'm proud that through the PACT Act, which I helped pass, the VA has approved 1 million claims from veterans exposed to toxins during their service. I will always fight for our veterans and thank them for their sacrifice and service." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island: "The PACT Act has made an enormous difference in the lives of so many RI veterans, opening the door for them to receive VA health care and benefits. Very proud to have supported this law." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Martin Heinrich, New Mexico: "When I was working to pass the PACT Act, it was to deliver for the Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 veterans in New Mexico who have struggled with health conditions from toxic exposure. Now, it's delivering big." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Tammy Duckworth, Illinois: "Huge news! Today, the VA approved its one millionth PACT Act claim That's more of our toxic-exposed Veterans receiving care that they've earned—but didn't have before. If you're a Veteran, you can apply for these benefits too at http://VA.gov/PACT." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Senator Jerry Moran, Kansas and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs: "VA has approved 1 million benefit claims under the PACT Act. This is a great accomplishment, and we must continue working to make certain VA is delivering toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors timely and quality care and benefits." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Mark Takano, California and Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee: "1,000,000 veterans and their survivors have had their PACT Act claims approved. Thank you @SecVetAffairs for ensuring that my bill can help as many of our nation's heroes as possible." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

"My State of the Union guest, Juan, is now one of 1 million veterans who have had their benefits increased thanks to the PACT Act. Watch his story here: [VIDEO WITH JUAN]." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

House Veterans' Affairs Democrats: " Today marks the day that 1 million veterans and survivors have been granted disability compensation since RM @RepMarkTakano's PACT Act was signed into law in 2022.This is a huge milestone to reach, and we will not stop until all who need these benefits receive them.To submit your claim today go to: https://va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/" [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Pete Aguilar, California: "More than one million veterans now have access to crucial health benefits thanks to the landmark PACT Act, the largest investment in veterans' health care in a generation. Veterans in the Inland Empire and across our Country are finally receiving the care they earned." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Katherine Clark, Massachusetts: "Two years ago, President Biden signed the PACT Act. And today, more than 1 million veterans are getting the critical care they need for toxic exposure. We will keep fighting for our servicemembers and their families." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Ted Lieu, California: "We have an obligation to care for our veterans when they come home. To honor that commitment, @HouseDemocrats& @POTUS passed the #PACTAct to expand benefits for veterans exposed to toxins. Now, more than 1 million PACT Act claims have been granted." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, Virginia: "NEW: The @DeptVetAffairs has approved more than one million claims under @POTUS's bipartisan PACT Act! Over 888,000 veterans and survivors across the country are now receiving new service-connected disability benefits thanks to this landmark bill." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon: "Two years ago I helped pass the PACT Act, and today more than 1 million veterans who were exposed to toxins—including more than 10,700 Oregonians—have the health care benefits they need." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Bill Pascrell, New Jersey: "As we mark today one million Americans getting relief under Pres Biden's landmark veteran health and cancer care law a reminder that when we enacted it 84% of republicans in Congress voted against it and voted to tell veterans to drop dead." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Chris Pappas, New Hampshire: "Over 1 million PACT Act claims have been approved since this landmark legislation was signed into law. This is ensuring our veterans that were exposed to toxic substances get the care they need. I continue to urge eligible NH veterans to file a claim." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Steny Hoyer, Maryland: "When Congress passed the PACT Act, we delivered the most significant expansion of services for toxic exposed Veterans in 30+ years. Today, 1M PACT Act related claims have been approved. Democrats are ensuring our Veterans have access to the lifesaving care they've earned." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Rick Larsen, Washington: "More than 1 million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange & other toxic substances & their survivors have had #PACTAct claims approved, including 22,507 vets & survivors in WA." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Brad Schneider, Illinois: "We must care for our troops and their families when they return home from service. I'm proud to have helped pass the PACT Act in 2022, which has helped 1 MILLION veterans nationwide with the healthcare benefits they need after being exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other harmful substances. With nearly 34,000 veterans living in IL-10, it's critical we continue to provide the support and care for those who sacrifice so much for us." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. John Larson, Connecticut: "We passed the largest expansion of health care and benefits in a generation for our veterans. More than 1 million claims have been granted and nearly 900,000 veterans & survivors are receiving benefits thanks to the PACT Act!" [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey: "More than one million veterans have had their VA claims approved under the PACT Act: legislation that I helped negotiate and pass last Congress with @ProbSolveCaucus.It's my honor to support our veterans and help them get their care they need after exposure to toxic burn pits." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Val Hoyle, Oregon: "Over 1 million PACT Act claims have been approved since @POTUS signed this legislation into law in 2022. Thanks to the PACT Act, veterans who were exposed to toxic substances are finally getting access to the healthcare and benefits they deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Dan Kildee, Michigan: "An incredible achievement for veterans in Michigan & across the U.S. I was proud to help pass the PACT Act in 2022 to expand health care & benefits to veterans & their families. Thanks to this new law, more than 21,000 Michigan veterans' claims have now been approved." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Gregory Meeks, New York: "Over 1 million PACT Act claims have been approved, ensuring nearly 900,000 veterans and their families receive the benefits they deserve. Thanks to House Democrats & @POTUS, we're fulfilling our promise to care for those exposed to toxic substances in service." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island: "We have a sacred duty to care for veterans when they come home. The bipartisan PACT Act honors this promise by expanding health care benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. And because of this law, more than 1 million PACT Act claims have been granted." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Darren Soto, Florida: "We had a very informative meeting with our Veterans Advisory Board. We discussed how the PACT Act is helping veterans, our latest Service Academy Day, and other resources for veterans in the community. Proud of our work to honor and uplift those who served." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Judy Chu, California: "Veterans deserve the best this country has to offer. This national milestone shows how effective the PACT Act is at supporting Veterans and their families. In my San Gabriel Valley congressional district #CA28, nearly 900 Veterans have seen their PACT Act claims approved!" [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Kathy Castor Florida: "Since last August, 147,364 Floridans have received their #PACTAct benefits, delivering thousands of dollars to veterans & survivors. Every day is Veteran's Day when we uphold our promise to those who have served us by ensuring they receive the benefits they earned and deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Ami Bera, California: "America has a sacred obligation to care for our veterans when they come home. To honor that commitment, I was proud to vote for the PACT Act, which delivers benefits and services to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Don Norcross, New Jersey: "We owe our brave veterans not only a debt of gratitude, but to take care of them when they come home. I was proud to help pass the PACT Act and I am thrilled to learn that it has now helped more than 1 million toxic exposed veterans get the health care they need and deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Sean Casten, Illinois: "The PACT Act has officially allowed ONE MILLION veterans to access medical care to treat the effects of toxic exposure. I am so proud to have supported this vital legislation." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware: "As @POTUS says, we have a sacred obligation to serve our veterans as they have served us. I'm proud that 1 million claims have been granted through the PACT Act so more veterans and survivors in DE & across our nation can get the benefits they earned." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Andre Carson, Indiana: "I voted for the PACT Act to deliver benefits and services to veterans exposed to toxic substances—benefits they previously didn't qualify for. Now, the PACT Act has brought more than $5.7 BILLION to veterans and their survivors. House Democrats deliver results." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Shri Thanedar, Michigan: "The Biden administration's PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans benefits in 30 years and delivered healthcare benefits to 1 MILLION veterans. It's long overdue that these heroes get the care and treatment they deserve." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Seth Moulton, Massachusetts: "I proudly supported the #PACTAct because the millions of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service (including those I served with myself) deserve the best care for their needs. 1 million PACT Act claims granted and counting." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Veronica Escobar, Texas: "@POTUS and @HouseDemocrats passed the PACT Act to ensure servicemembers exposed to toxic substances receive the care they need and deserve. With over 1 million claims now processed, we're closer to fulfilling our duty to care for those who have sacrificed so much for us." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, Virginia: "Big news—more than 1 million #PACTAct claims have now been approved, delivering the care & support that our veterans deserve. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation, one of the largest expansion of veterans benefits in history. Learn more at http://va.gov/PACTAct." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Sharice Davids Kansas: "2 years ago, I helped pass the bipartisan PACT Act to ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances get the care they've earned. Today, over 1M veterans benefit from this crucial support. I'll keep working to protect Kansas veterans and their families!" [ Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Robin Kelly, Illinois: "Thanks to the #PACTAct that I worked to pass, over 1 million Veterans exposed to toxins are now able to access the health resources they need. This law is saving lives." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Annie Kuster, New Hampshire: "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and freedoms — they deserve the best possible care when they return home. I was proud to join @POTUS in New Hampshire today to recognize the positive impact the PACT Act is having on more than 4,000 Granite State veterans." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Annie Kuster, New Hampshire: "As the daughter of a World War II veteran and prisoner of war, I am deeply committed to advocating for our nation's veterans, service members, and their families. Our veterans deserve the best possible care – and the Honoring Our PACT Act is helping us live up to that promise. I was proud to lead the charge in Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation, and I applaud President Biden's commitment to supporting our veterans and their families and ensuring they can access the health care they need and deserve." [Statement, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Hillary Scholten, Michigan: "The PACT Act has now helped over 1 MILLION toxic-exposed veterans access the critical health care they've earned. I'll continue to show up and deliver for these heroes who put their lives on the line to serve our country." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]

Rep. Salud Carbajal, California: "The PACT Act has now helped ONE MILLION veterans, including hundreds on the Central Coast! Our veterans deserve access to quality medical care that they have earned, and I'm proud of my vote that expanded health care benefits to recognize the true costs of their service." [Tweet, 5/21/2024]