On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:

“Those willing to risk everything to protect our liberties and freedoms merit the best that our nation has to offer. That is why I am pleased to have supported H.R. 3967 - Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 and been at the White House today for a ceremony where President Biden signed this bill into law,” Congressman Al Green indicated.

“This piece of legislation is exceedingly important because it expands healthcare coverage for Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances - such as through burn pits, contaminated water, or radiation - while in the military, and facilitates the process by which these Veterans can access the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),” Congressman Al Green continued. “The PACT Act also increases federal research on the impacts of toxic exposure, provides the VA with training and resources for testing Veterans exposed to deadly toxins, as well as adds over 20 toxic exposure related conditions to the list of what qualifies as a service-connected illness, or an illness a Veteran develops as a direct result of their military service.”

Congressman Al Green concluded, “Having a bill that addresses these issues enshrined into federal law is of paramount importance to me because the debt we owe to service members who put their lives on the line can never be repaid. Therefore, ensuring our Veterans have access to the lifesaving, quality care they need and deserve after coming home is the least a grateful nation can do. If you still have any doubts as to why being in the line of duty necessitates passage of the PACT Act, I urge you to visit a VA hospital to see the price of freedom.”