Veterans Demand Action on Domestic Base Toxin Exposure as Lawmakers Weigh PACT Act Expansion

Leading Democrats in Congress are revitalizing initiatives to broaden toxic exposure benefits for service members impacted by environmental dangers at U.S. military installations—cohorts that were predominantly excluded from the 2022 PACT Act. During a roundtable in Washington on Tuesday, lawmakers listened to heartfelt testimonies from veterans, active-duty personnel, and advocacy organizations, who shared their experiences with illnesses linked to exposure to radiation, fuel-tainted water, incinerator fumes, and various other toxins. The exposures took place not in war zones but on American soil, in locations such as Hawaii, Nevada, and domestic missile sites.

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, highlighted that although the PACT Act was a significant advancement, it was "not comprehensive" and referred to it as a “down payment” on a more substantial commitment to assist all veterans affected by toxic exposure—both abroad and at home. The legislation primarily concentrated on burn pit exposure and overseas deployments while also incorporating some limited domestic coverage, such as the water contamination crisis at Camp Lejeune.

Veterans and their families recounted years of health challenges—uncommon cancers, miscarriages, respiratory problems—coupled with ongoing difficulties in gaining recognition or support from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Army Maj. Mandy Feindt, impacted by the 2021 Red Hill fuel leak in Hawaii, highlighted the importance of proactive care and early testing for toxic exposure. “Without testing, there is no evidence, which means there is no incident to address,” she cautioned.

Organizations such as the Torchlight Initiative, representing missile personnel, have brought attention to an expanding cancer registry that now includes more than 700 cases. Additional testimonies were provided regarding toxic exposure at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Japan and the Nevada Test and Training Range. Legislation was called for to inform affected veterans, finance medical research, and provide equal benefits to those exposed within the country.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) emphasized the importance of the testimony, highlighting that it would strengthen the resistance against the proposed cuts at the VA. “It’s a self-inflicted wound,” he remarked regarding the possible layoffs. Lawmakers are currently evaluating the possibility of broadening toxic exposure benefits to address the significant shortcomings of the original PACT Act.

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