Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., commemorated the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics of 2022. He was joined by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano, D-Calif., the Kepner family, veterans from his district, local veteran advocates, and Veteran Service Organizations leaders, according to an Aug. 14 news release.
"Today we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Honoring our PACT Act law and to honor the legacy of local veteran Jennifer Kepner who was the spark that lit my fire to fight for veterans suffering from toxic burn pits exposure,” Ruiz said in a release. "Over 3.5 million veterans and their families will have access to much needed lifesaving medical care and will receive benefits to help them live a life with dignity. It is an honor to present the Kepner family with the law signed by the president in memory of Jennifer and to fulfill a promise made to her prior to her passing.”
“One year ago, Congress sent to President Biden’s desk the most comprehensive legislation to date to treat toxic exposure as a cost of war and ensure that all toxic-exposed veterans can access the care and benefits they’ve earned,” Takano said in the release. “I’m so proud to have led the passage of the Honoring our PACT Act along with my colleague Dr. Ruiz. Together, we delivered on our promise to veterans that their government will take care of them when they come home — no matter the cost. With more than 800,000 claims and counting already filed, I look forward to continuing to ensure that veterans and their families receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.”
Ruiz and his colleagues are addressing the health risks facing veterans who have been exposed to burn pits during their service with his Reducing Exposure to Burn Pits Amendment. The bill would require the Department of Defense to do a cost analysis on alternatives to burn pits, the release reported.
Ruiz serves as the U.S. representative for California's 25th congressional district, according to his website.