[ad_1]
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden struck an emotional note in this year’s State of the Union address as he raised policy ideas, talking about veterans suffering from cancer after serving in military camps where toxic fumes flow from burning waste.
“One of those soldiers was my son, Major Beau Biden,” he said.
The president was careful not to make a direct line between the burned pits The child’s fatal cancerBut there is no doubt that he believes there is a connection. The tragic death, which occurred seven years ago, is Wednesday’s ceremony, one of his most personal moments since taking office as Biden plans to sign legislation expanding federal health care for veterans.
Sen. John Tester, D-Mont Biden, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, said. driving force Behind last week’s measure.
“He was constantly pushing because whether or not Bow died in this, Joe thought he had some influence, and he wanted it fixed,” Tester said. “And because he thinks it’s the right thing to do. So different presidents, different priorities, this might never happen.
Pits burn In Iraq and Afghanistan, they were used to dispose of chemicals, cans, tires, plastics, medical equipment, and human waste. But 70% of injury claims involving exposure to potholes are denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The law directs officials to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers are related to burn pits, helping veterans receive disability benefits if the illness is a result of their service.
Iraqi leader Jeremy Butler said, “Those who are too sick to work, who can’t care for their families, should not have to spend time fighting with the government to get the health care they deserve.” and Afghanistan veterans. “This is a big statue.”
While provision involving burn pits has attracted much attention, other health care services are also expanding.
Veterans who have served since the Sept. 11 attacks will have ten years to sign up for VA health care, doubling the current five years.
And there is more help for veterans from the Vietnam War. The law adds high blood pressure to the list of diseases caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
Also, veterans who served in combat in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll are considered to have been exposed to the chemical.
The law was billed as the biggest expansion of veterans’ health care in more than three decades, but shortly before its passage it became an unlikely political football.
On the day the Senate was expected to give final approval, Republicans unexpectedly blocked it. Veterans who traveled to Washington for a moment of triumph were devastated.
“All the veterans were there because they were waiting to celebrate,” Butler said. “Then stab them in the back, absolutely.”
Republicans said they were concerned about the technical changes the bill was funded by. The Democrats were not happy and accused them of agreeing A separate agreement To advance Biden’s domestic agenda on climate change, taxes and prescription drugs.
Instead of going home, some veterans began holding what they called a “fire watch” outside the Capitol.
Despite the summer heat and strong thunderstorms, they stayed in the afternoon. Comedian Jon Stewart, an attorney for veterans, also joined them. Because Biden wanted to go but couldn’t It was isolation. VA Secretary Dennis McDonough said in a video call that he had contracted the coronavirus while dropping off pizza.
Days after the rally, the Senate took another vote and the measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Veterans were in the gallery. Watching the vote.
“Everyone I was with was lying. Shut up,” said former Army Capt. Matt Zeller, who was among the marchers. “I cried for about five minutes.”
___
Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link
