Two bipartisan Toxic Exposure bills have been introduced in Congress. They provide healthcare to Gulf War veterans who exhibit symptoms of exposure to burn pits and toxic chemicals during their duty in Iraq. Florida Senator, Marco Rubio (R-FL), is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation, Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act (S.952). The bill’s sponsor, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), said it would remove the “burden of proof” from the veteran to provide enough evidence to establish a direct service connection between their health condition and exposure.
According to Veterans For Common Sense (VCS) National Chair & Director and FLVCS member, Anthony Hardie, VCS helped to carefully fine tune S.952 before its introduction. Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA36) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12) and Joaquin Castro (D-TX20) were original co-sponsors.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-TX) sponsored the second bill. The legislation is called the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (S.927) (TEAM Act). The TEAM Act would put the burden of proof on the VA and the National Academy of Sciences to determine if there’s a connection between a condition and a toxic exposure. And, co-sponsor, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), says while that work is happening, any veteran who’s had toxic exposure will automatically qualify for care at the VA. The TEAM Act has six original co-sponsors
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