Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favor of a senate bill that expands the healthcare access and coverage for the millions of veterans impacted by toxic exposures. The Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act ensures military personnel who were exposed to toxic hazards, from toxins produced by burn pits to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange and are now suffering from chronic health issues as a result, can access the treatment and care that they need.
Sen. Murkowski in a statement said:
“They need access to care and unfortunately, we have had a system in place that has not been there for them. They were there to serve our country, regardless of the circumstances, but when they need care on the end of their service, we need to be there for them. To know that right now, the VA is denying approximately 70% of these Agent Orange and toxic exposure claims, they’re denying over 70% f them, that’s not acceptable. That is just not right. We have to uphold our commitment to the millions of our veterans that we have asked to fight for freedom around the globe.”
Sen. Murkowski adds:
“The effort that we have made to address this is one that is long overdue. For those who are suffering, know that your nation respects and honors you and we are going to be there to provide for the care and the promise that we made to you when you swore to uphold and defend the constitution and our country.”
The Senate recently failed to pass the bill, known as the PACT Act, while Sen. Murkowski was unable to vote due to COVID-19. She had previously voted in favor on the legislation when it first passed the Senate in June 2022, and states that she has voted in favor of the measure throughout the entire process.
According to the office of Sen. Murkowski, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been denying approximately 70% of those claims under its current system.