Wichita Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – tonight released the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address:

In his response to President Biden's State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran highlighted the significance of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act in supporting veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Senator Moran expressed his appreciation for President Biden's recognition of the positive impact the PACT Act has had on veterans and their families, stating, “The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was a historic expansion of VA benefits and health care for generations of veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during their military service. I appreciate President Biden acknowledging the difference it is currently making in the lives of thousands of veterans and their families."

Senator Moran also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is adequately equipped to handle the increased workload resulting from the PACT Act without compromising quality of care or causing delays for veterans. He remarked, “While it is great to hear that VA is moving even faster than the law requires in expanding health care and benefits through the PACT Act, we must make certain that VA is prepared to handle this additional workload without sacrificing quality or making veterans wait longer for their doctor’s appointments or claims decisions."

Looking ahead, Senator Moran expressed his commitment to collaborating with the administration and his colleagues to ensure that the PACT Act fulfills its promise of providing support to toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors. He stated, “I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and my colleagues to make certain that the PACT Act delivers on its promise and that toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors receive the support they deserve and have earned."

The response from Senator Jerry Moran underscores the ongoing dedication to enhancing the well-being and care of veterans who have been impacted by exposure to harmful substances during their military service.