Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-30T04:18:57Z

Explore the details of House Bill 6659 Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Armed Forces and National Security. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/30/2022, 4:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 6659

Bill 117 hr 6659, also known as the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide health care and other benefits to veterans who have been exposed to burn pits during their service in the military.

Burn pits are large open-air areas where waste, including chemicals, plastics, and other materials, are burned. Many veterans who were stationed near these burn pits have reported experiencing health issues such as respiratory problems, cancer, and other serious illnesses.

The Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act aims to address these health concerns by ensuring that veterans who were exposed to burn pits receive the necessary medical care and treatment. The bill also seeks to improve research on the health effects of burn pit exposure and provide education and outreach to veterans about the risks associated with burn pits. Overall, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act is a bipartisan effort to support and care for the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. It is an important step towards ensuring that these veterans receive the care and support they need and deserve.

Congressional Summary of HR 6659

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act

This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.

Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period.

The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service.

Among other requirements, the VA must also

provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances;
analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates;
conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001;
conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans;
publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and
report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 6659

Bill HR 6659 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 9, 2022. Bill HR 6659 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on February 9, 2022. Bill HR 6659's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. as of February 9, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 6659

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

198

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

190

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 6659

Primary Policy Focus

Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact Areas

AfghanistanAfricaAir qualityAsiaBahrainCancerCardiovascular and respiratory healthConflicts and warsCongressional oversightDepartment of Veterans AffairsDisability assistanceDjiboutiEgyptFiresGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelHospital careIraqJordanKuwaitLebanonLong-term, rehabilitative, and terminal careMedical educationMedical researchMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMiddle EastMilitary operations and strategyNursingOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaSolid waste and recyclingSomaliaSyriaUnited Arab EmiratesVeterans' medical careVeterans' pensions and compensationYemen

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 6659

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans ActHealth Care for Burn Pit Veterans ActTo amend title 38, United States Code, to improve health care and services for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes.

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