Welch to Provide Opening Remarks at VLGS Veterans Day Program Monday
SOUTH ROYALTON, VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11th:
“On Veterans Day we honor the service members who have defended America, as well as their families and loved ones. I have a deep appreciation for those who have worn our Nation’s uniform and put their lives on the line. We are forever indebted to their service and sacrifice,” said Senator Welch. “We can honor them by expanding on the benefits secured in the historic, bipartisan PACT Act. I remain committed to getting the men and women exposed to toxic burn pits the care and help they’ve earned and deserve.”
To commemorate Veterans Day, Senator Welch will provide opening remarks at the Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Veterans Day Program: Honoring the Past, Preserving the Future. The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will be held at the Chase Community Center in South Royalton. Read more about the program here.
Senator Welch championed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act in 2022 as a member of the House of Representatives. The PACT Act is delivering benefits and care to millions impacted by toxic exposures from burn pits while serving, as well as their survivors. It is also expanding toxic exposure screenings and other care services. More than 796,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA care since the PACT Act was passed, and more than 1.2 million PACT Act related claims have been approved, including more than 1,400 in Vermont.
This Congress, Senator Welch led the Vermont and New Hampshire congressional delegations in urging Secretary of Veterans Affairs to use authority granted under the PACT Act to make it easier for Veterans stationed in Kosovo from 1999 onwards to access health care and disability benefits for conditions related to toxic substance exposure during their service. Last year, a bipartisan amendment led by Sen. Welch requiring the VA to conduct a review on mortality and toxic exposure data for Veterans who served in Kosovo passed with bipartisan support. Senator Welch is the lead sponsor of the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Act, and Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act, bills that build on the PACT Act to increase support for Veterans exposed to burn pits, improve data collection on burn pit and toxic substance exposure, and help mitigate future toxic substance exposure for service members.
Senator Welch’s talented team of caseworkers can help Veterans, families, and survivors with casework related to the VA, as well as other federal agencies. Vermonters seeking assistance are encouraged to visit welch.senate.gov or call his Burlington office: 802-863-2525.
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