WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: State and Local Officials, Community and Advocacy Organizations and More Applaud President Biden's Bipartisan PACT Act for Delivering Care for Veterans in all 50 States and U.S. Territories and Advancing Unity Agenda in the First Year

One year ago from yesterday, President Biden signed the landmark bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law, enacting the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans in more than 30 years.

Named in honor of Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson, a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer, this historic legislation is delivering timely benefits and services to veterans ?across all generations ?who have been impacted by toxic exposures while serving our country.

The Biden-Harris administration released new national and state-by-state data on PACT Act claims, which have been processed at record rates by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In the past year, the Administration has helped veterans in every state and territory receive the services and care they deserve by:

• Screening veterans for toxic exposures
• Delivering benefits to veterans and their survivors
• Prioritizing veterans with cancer
• Spreading the word to veterans and their survivors
• Increasing VA's capacity to serve veterans
• Eliminating benefits delays for veterans

See below for what they are saying:

Members of Congress

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries: "The PACT Act provides veterans exposed to burn pits, agent orange or toxic substances the healthcare and benefits they deserve. Those who have worn the uniform have selflessly been there for us. We must always be there for them." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Schumer: "Today marks the one-year anniversary of President Biden signing the PACT Act into law. We stood together to pass this bill to make sure that veterans who got sick from toxic exposure they endured in the line of duty get the health care they need and deserve." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Jon Tester: "A year after finally giving toxic-exposed veterans the care and benefits they've earned, I'm proud to see the PACT Act making a real difference in veterans' lives. For folks like Travis from Missoula, who deployed to Somalia and was diagnosed with Lymphoma, and Terry from Kalispell who served in Vietnam and suffers from hypertension ?this law is a game-changer. Thanks to the PACT Act, these folks, their families, and hundreds of thousands of vets just like them are receiving the benefits they earned, and I'll keep holding VA accountable to implement this law the right way." [Statement, 8/10/23]

Congressman Mark Takano: "I'm so proud to have led the passage of the Honoring our PACT Act. Together, we delivered on our promise to veterans that their government will take care of them when they come home ?no matter the cost. With more than 800,000 claims and counting already filed, I look forward to continuing to ensure that veterans and their families receive the benefits they have rightfully earned." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Dick Durbin: "It has been one year since the #PACTAct has become law, and it's already delivering: 4M+ vets screened for toxic exposure conditions; 744,000+ PACT Act claims filed; Hundreds of thousands approved for expanded benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Speaker Emerita Pelosi: "As our military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we vow to leave no veteran behind at home. Veterans helped Democrats deliver cancer care; today we mark 1 year of the PACT Act and urge veterans and families to file for benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Steny Hoyer: "Today marks one year since President Joe Biden signed the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law ?? the largest expansion of Veterans' benefits in decades, impacting about one in every five Veterans. Thanks to this historic law, millions of Veterans who were exposed to dangerous toxins ?? from Agent Orange in Vietnam to toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan ?? while serving in uniform will have greater access to the lifesaving care they deserve. For too long, our service members have put their lives at risk to defend our nation and returned home with a greater risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and other harmful conditions because of these toxins. The PACT Act ensures that these courageous men and women won't have to navigate a web of red tape to receive treatment and other benefits. Just as our Veterans made a commitment to serve our nation, our nation has a responsibility to serve them long after they take off the uniform." [Statement, 8/10/23]

Senator Tammy Baldwin: "One year ago today, the PACT Act was signed into law. Since then, we have done right by our veterans and delivered them the long-overdue benefits and care they have rightfully earned." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Michael Bennet: "One year ago, the PACT Act was signed into law, marking the largest expansion of veteran health care benefits in decades. We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and I'll continue working to help them access the care and benefits they've earned." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Bob Casey: "We can never repay our debt to our veterans, but the least we can do is ensure they have the health care they need once they come home. One year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act to expand coverage for veterans exposed to toxic substances." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto: "One year ago today, I was working to get the PACT Act signed into law. I'm proud to say that we got it done, and now this law is helping our veterans get the health care and benefits they earned while defending our country." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Tammy Duckworth: "One year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act into law and our nation finally took action to help ensure toxic-exposed Veterans can access the healthcare they earned and deserve. While this was important progress, I know our work to help expand healthcare access is far from over." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Dick Durbin: "It has been one year since the #PACTAct has become law, and it's already delivering: -4M+ vets screened for toxic exposure conditions -744,000+ PACT Act claims filed -Hundreds of thousands approved for expanded benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Martin Heinrich: "On this day last year, the PACT Act was signed into law. This historic legislation expanded VA benefits and health care to toxic-exposed veterans and survivors." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Patty Murray: "As we mark the 1 year anniversary of the PACT Act, I joined local veterans & @DeptVetAffairs officials in Seattle to hear about what the new benefits provided by this law mean for WA state veterans. This law is a big deal & I'm focused on making sure it's implemented as intended." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Gary Peters: "One year ago today the PACT Act was signed into law. I worked hard to help pass it so that all generations of toxic-exposed veterans can access the VA care they deserve. I encourage you to check if you or a loved one is eligible for benefits:" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Jack Reed: "The PACT Act is a huge victory for RI veterans & their families, delivering long-overdue care & benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits & other toxins while serving our nation." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Jacky Rosen: "I was immensely proud to help pass the bipartisan PACT Act one year ago to make sure every Nevada veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other harmful chemicals can finally access the benefits and health care they deserve. . . I will continue working every day to support Nevada's veteran community" [Statement, 8/10/23]

Senator Marco Rubio: "The fight to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act took far too long, and thousands of veterans and their families suffered as a result. Providing veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits during their service with the health care, disability benefits, and compensation they need and deserve is just common sense. I am grateful to the veterans and their advocates who never gave up on this fight. The Honoring Our PACT Act is a historic piece of legislation that will make a real difference in the lives of veterans for years to come." [Statement, 8/10/23]

Senator Kyrsten Sinema: "Our bipartisan PACT Act was signed into law one year ago today. We're delivering for the veteran community by extending eligibility to health care for those exposed to toxic substances while serving ?? ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they've earned." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Tina Smith: "Last year we passed the PACT Act to fulfill our obligation to veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving our country. Actions speak louder than words ? legislation like the PACT Act is how we can truly thank our veterans for their sacrifices." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Elizabeth Warren: "A year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act, finally giving veterans exposed to harmful chemicals the care they deserve. Since becoming law, 4 million+ vets have been screened for toxic exposure conditions & thousands approved for more benefits. I was proud to fight for this bill." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: "The PACT Act was a significant step in honoring America's commitment to ensure veterans receive the care and benefits they have earned. Toxic-exposed veterans and survivors who apply by AUGUST 9 could qualify for a year's worth of retroactive benefits: http://VA.gov/PACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Colin Allred: "One year ago, the #PACTAct was signed into law to keep our commitment to our veterans. By expanding health care and benefits for veterans harmed by toxic exposure, we have already helped 350,000 people get the aid they are owed. Let's build on this progress." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Sanford Bishop: "One year ago, the Honoring Our #PACTAct was signed into law, making it easier for toxic-exposed veterans to receive full access to VA care & benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Kathy Castor: "A year ago, President Biden signed the historic Honoring Our Pact Act into law. It is time we serve our Veterans as they have served us and offer them the health care benefits they need and deserve." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar: "As the only representative in our region to vote for the PACT Act, I'm celebrating that over 350k veterans have been granted their benefits on this legislation's one-year anniversary. Let's continue to push to get exposed veterans the aid they deserve and need." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Jimmy Gomez: "One year ago, the #PACTAct was enacted into law, marking a crucial milestone to ensure veterans receive the essential benefits they deserve. Since then, this legislation has provided vital care to over 3.5 million veterans." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur: "One year ago, the #PACTAct was signed into law, expanding healthcare and benefits for countless veterans and their families harmed by toxic exposure." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Andy Kim: "The PACT Act turns 1 today! Congressman Kim proudly helped pass this historic expansion of veterans' healthcare into law to uphold our promise to have their backs. He is committed to closing gaps in veterans' healthcare and benefits to deliver them the support they deserve." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Robin Kelly: "One year ago, the Honoring Our PACT Act was signed into law, making it easier for toxic-exposed veterans to receive full access to VA care and benefits. I'm proud to support our veterans in Congress." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Ted Lieu: "One year ago, @POTUS signed into law @RepMarkTakano's Honoring our PACT Act, the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in decades, impacting approximately one out of every five veterans. Today over 350k veterans have already received expanded benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Richie Neal: "Today marks one year since the PACT Act was signed into law, making it easier for toxic-exposed veterans to receive the full access to VA care and benefits they deserve. More than 360k claims have been approved, and nearly 4.2 million toxic exposure screenings conducted." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Frank Pallone: "A year ago today, @POTUS signed the PACT Act into law, expanding access to benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman John Sarbanes: "One year ago today, @POTUS signed the bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act into law ?? the largest expansion of veterans' benefits in decades. Today we celebrate the over 350,000 veterans who have been granted benefits & continue pushing to get all veterans the care they have earned." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Adam Smith: "One year ago, @POTUS signed the Honoring Our PACT Act into law, making it easier for toxic-exposed veterans to receive full access to VA care and benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger: "Today marks one year since the Honoring Our PACT Act was signed into law! This law finally extends VA benefits to millions of Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during their service. Not sure if you or a loved one are eligible? http://VA.gov/PACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Eric Sorensen: "The #PACTAct was signed into law 1 year ago today, expanding health care for countless veterans harmed by toxic exposure. Today, we celebrate that over 300,000 veterans have been granted benefits and continue to push to get all exposed veterans the aid they deserve and need." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland: "The #PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act expanded healthcare & benefits for veterans affected by harmful toxic exposure. Today over 300,000 veterans have already received expanded benefits." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Norma Torres: "A year ago today, the #PACTAct became law. This landmark legislation has already helped over 50,000 California veterans access care for toxic exposure!" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman Ritchie Torres: "One year ago, @POTUS signed the Honoring Our PACT Act into law, marking the largest expansion of veterans' health benefits in decades. Today, more than 350,000 veterans have already benefited and many more remain potentially eligible." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Lori Trahan: "One year ago, @POTUS signed the PACT Act into law, expanding health care for millions of veterans and their families. Today we celebrate that over 300,000 veterans have accessed their benefits and continue to push for all veterans to get the support they deserve." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congressman David Trone: "One year ago, @POTUS signed the Honoring Our PACT Act into law, making it easier for toxic-exposed veterans to receive VA care and benefits. Today over 350,000 veterans have already received expanded benefits ? now that's a game changer." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: "1 yr ago, the PACT Act was signed into law, expanding healthcare & benefits for countless veterans & their families harmed by toxic exposure. Today we celebrate that over 300k veterans have been granted benefits & continue to push to get all veterans the aid they deserve & need." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Susan Wild: "I worked to pass the #PACTAct into law to get veterans exposed to toxic substances the care they deserve. A year later, 350k+ veterans have received expanded benefits ?? and I'm keeping up the work to bring all veterans the care they're owed." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Nikema Williams: "One year ago, the Honoring Our PACT Act was signed into law. Veterans, if you were exposed to toxic substances during your service, you may be eligible for extra benefits under the PACT Act." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson: "Under the PACT Act, ALL veterans and survivors of veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras who were harmed by toxic exposures may be eligible for benefits. Apply before August 14 to get backdated benefits of 2022! " [Tweet, 8/10/23]

State and Local Government Officials

Utah Governor Spencer Cox: "We joined @POTUS to celebrate the one year anniversary of the signing of the PACT Act, an act that is so vital to the care of our veterans. To the men and women who served in the armed forces, we honor you and thank you for your service. We encourage you to reach out to veterans resources here in Utah." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Utah Governor Spencer Cox: "Welcome to Utah, Mr. President. Regardless of political party, it is an honor to welcome @POTUS to our great state. We hope you enjoy all Utah has to offer!" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Utah State Representative Rosemary Lesser, MD: "Ready to welcome @POTUS to Utah! Thank you for visiting our state and honoring our veterans #utpol #utleg" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Utah Senate Democrats: "Senate Democrats were overjoyed to attend President Biden's remarks at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City today! @POTUS stressed the importance of the PACT Act ?one of the single greatest healthcare expansions in VA history #utpol #utleg The sacrifices our veterans and military families have made for this country have safeguarded our freedoms and ability to pursue happiness and opportunity. Thank you @POTUS for delivering on essential benefits and resources for our veterans #utpol #utleg" [Tweet thread, 8/10/23]

Utah House Democrats: "The Utah House Democratic Caucus is filled with great excitement to welcome @POTUS Joe Biden to Utah and honor the first anniversary of the PACT Act. #utpol #utleg" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall: "I'm so excited to join @POTUS at @vasaltlakecity this morning to mark the 1-year anniversary of the PACT Act and how it's helping thousands of Salt Lakers who made sacrifices to serve our country." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Salt Lake County Democratic Party: "Today is the 1 year anniversary of the signing of the PACT Act. Thank you Biden for your commitment to supporting our veterans! #veterans #PACTAct #POTUS" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Community and Advocacy Organizations

The American Legion: "A year ago #PACTAct became law. Since then #veterans/survivors have gotten $1.85 billion in PACT Act benefits, 330k vets have enrolled in #healthcare & 4 million vets have been screened for toxic exposures. Deadline to file/submit intent to file Aug. 14." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Vietnam Veterans of America: "Great News - if you missed the August 9 deadline to file for PACT Act benefits, the deadline has been extended to Monday, August 14, 2023. This deadline relates only to receiving benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. Submit the Intent to File form today." [Tweet 8/10/23]

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): "Today marks one year of the #PACTAct being signed into law. President Biden is about to go live to celebrate this historic bipartisan effort to bring needed care to those who served now suffering from toxic exposure." [Tweet 8/10/23]

VoteVets: "Today marks one year since the PACT Act became law! It ensures that Veterans receive the care we've earned and deserve for toxic exposure. We must always make certain that the well-being of those who serve remains a consistent, unwavering priority. #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

VoteVets: "U.S. Army Veteran Joe Stutler, like countless other Vets, worked the burn pits. He reminded everyone what goes into the burn pits and the harm that they cause. He gave a heartfelt thank you to @POTUS Biden and Democrats for making sure the PACT Act was made law. #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Common Defense: "Tune in now as @POTUS delivers remarks on the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act - the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors in over 30 years." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

VetsFWD: "More than 13,000 AZ Veterans have taken advantage of these benefits. If you think you're eligible, be sure and apply before the deadline on Wednesday!" [Tweet, 8/7/23]

Eric Holguin, Texas State Director, UnidosUS: "1 year ago today, at the White House, I got to witness years of hard work and advocacy for our veterans come to a major milestone. President Joe Biden signed the #PACTAct into law. I'm so grateful to have been part of this years long journey." [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Scott Dworkin, Co-Founder, Democratic Coalition: "If you have the guts to send somebody to war, then you better have the guts to take care of them once they get home." Jon Stewart #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Skyleigh Heinen, Disabled Veteran and Advocate: "A year ago @POTUS signed the PACT Act in the honor of Sgt. First Class Robinson lost his life to a cancer born from the burn pits in Iraq. A step toward fulfilling our sacred obligation to care for our nation's veterans & their families. #RememberYourPact" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Skyleigh Heinen, Disabled Veteran and Advocate: "We only have one truly sacred obligation. And that's to equip those we send into harm's way and care for them and their families when they come home." Thanks @POTUS for always fighting for Veterans #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Building Back Together: "We only have one truly sacred obligation. And that's to equip those we send into harm's way and care for them and their families when they come home." Thanks @POTUS for delivering benefits and services to toxic-exposed veterans! #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

Building Back Together: "FACT: The PACT Act is the most significant expansion of benefits & services for toxic-exposed Veterans in more than 30 years! That's a BFD for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange & other toxic substances. Thanks, @POTUS! #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

CAP Action: "The Biden administration is working to help veterans transition back to civilian life ?the unemployment rate for veterans is at an all time low of 2.8%. "We're damn proud of that." #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

CAP Action: "In the year since the PACT Act was signed, over 340,000 veterans and surviving family members have begun receiving benefits ?and they no longer suffer the same painful delays and denials. #RememberYourPACT" [Tweet, 8/10/23]

The Jewish Democratic Council of America: "The #PACTAct is the largest-ever expansion to help the families of veterans who were exposed to toxic materials. Thanks to @JoeBiden, those who served our country will be protected." [Tweet, 8/10/23]