Wichita Standard

Early this morning, the Senate Republican majority voted against an amendment proposed by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to safeguard benefits for toxic-exposed veterans and their families. The amendment aimed to ensure continuous funding for health care and benefits under the PACT Act amidst efforts by President Trump and Elon Musk to reduce the Department of Veterans Affairs' workforce.

The amendment was defeated with 52 Republican Senators voting against it, resulting in a 47-52 vote. In response, Senator Blumenthal issued a statement: “Veterans need protection from dangerous threats to PACT Act care and benefits—protection Republicans refused to provide when they blocked my legislative amendment during the budget debate last night. The PACT Act was a historic breakthrough bipartisan measure, but now Elon Musk and his tech bros are firing the VA workers necessary to administer it. Republicans should be held accountable for failing to stand up for veterans exposed to toxic substance who rely on PACT Act support.”

Initiatives from the Trump Administration have impacted employees within the Veterans Benefits Administration, crucial for assisting veterans in accessing benefits through the PACT Act. This includes canceling outreach events critical for integrating veterans into the VA system and imposing a hiring freeze affecting Veterans Benefits Administration employees.

Before the vote, Blumenthal addressed his colleagues: “…[T]he Trump Administration is aggressively attempting to decimate the VA workforce…the people integral to fulfilling our promise under the PACT Act. Veterans have waited decades for the PACT Act's benefits and health care. Protecting it should be a bipartisan priority…If President Trump has no plans to erode the PACT Act, voting for this amendment should not be a concern for my Republican colleagues.”

As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Blumenthal has been an advocate for expanding veterans' benefits and health care rights under the PACT Act. He played a significant role in passing key provisions of this legislation in 2022.

Since its enactment in August 2022, over 1.2 million veterans and survivors have received benefits related to the PACT Act, with more than 194,000 enrolling in VA health care through its provisions.