What is the PACT Act?

The PACT Act stands for, Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2021. The Act focuses on the presumptions of service connection for Veterans exposed to toxic substances during active military service. 

Why has the PACT Act not been passed into law?

The PACT Act passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, but the Senate made amendments to the Act; therefore, it must go back to the House of Representatives before going to the President. The Act was supposed to be passed to the President no later than the July 4th weekend. But there have been some technical issues that have stalled the Act from moving further at this point. 

What goes into the PACT Act

The PACT Act has nine titles:

• Expansion of health care eligibility 
• Toxic Exposure Presumption Process 
• Improving the establishment of the service connection process for toxic exposed Veterans
• Presumptions of service connection
• Research Matters 
• Improvement of Resources and training regarding toxic-exposed Veterans
• Resourcing
• Records and other matters
• Improvement of Workforce and Department of Veteran Affairs 

One of the most exciting sections is the presumption of service connection. This section addresses the addition of 23 diseases associated with exposure to burn pits and other toxins for covered Veterans.