Press Release

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to help veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. While 34 Republicans joined with Democrats to pass the bill, none of Minnesota’s Republican Representatives voted for it.

H.R. 3967, also known as the Honoring our PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act, would ensure health care coverage is provided to millions of veterans who experience long-lasting and debilitating side effects due to exposure to toxic chemicals during their service.

The military frequently uses burn pits to dispose of everything from human waste, plastics and rubbers, unexploded munitions, and even jet fuel. This exposure can lead to respiratory illness and even cancer, however veterans frequently have difficulty getting health care services due to these illnesses covered by insurance.

Representatives Tom Emmer (MN-06), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) all voted against the Honoring our PACT Act.

DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin released the following statement: 

“It’s unthinkable that Minnesota’s Republican Representatives voted against covering health care services for America’s veterans who have been exposed to toxic and cancer-causing chemicals while serving our nation. Our veterans deserve the absolute best, and they sure as hell deserve better than Republican Congressmen who put blind loyalty to their political party ahead of the men and women who serve in uniform.

“While our veterans risk everything to protect and serve America, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber can’t even put politics aside to ensure veterans receive treatment for cancers they develop during their service.”