Biden signs PACT Act most significant expansion of veterans benefits in over 30 years

President Biden signs the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act in a White House ceremony. The law is the most significant expansion of VA benefits in over 30 years, extending healthcare and disability benefits to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazardous materials during service. An estimated 3.5 million veterans are covered. The bill eliminates the prior requirement that veterans prove their illness was service-connected, a process that took years and was often denied. It adds 23 burn pit-related conditions to the VA's list of service-connected illnesses. Over 1.2 million veterans receive new VA benefits within the first two years. Comedian Jon Stewart, a major advocate, attends the signing.