Representative Raul Ruiz looks to help veterans suffering from burn pits

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Representative Raul Ruiz is honoring his Promise to give veterans the care they need. The House of Representatives passed a solution to help veterans suffering the effects of burn pits.

Rep. Ruiz is currently representing California's 36th district, but he hopes to represent Imperial County as well as parts of riverside county after redistricting lines were redrawn last December.

The house passed the honoring our PACT Act which will offer benefits like accessible healthcare to veterans who were exposed to burn pits.

Ruiz who played a major role in getting this act passed says this couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I am doing everything I can for all the veterans that have been exposed to burn pits so they are recognized, listened to, they have a voice,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs says There are approximately 40,000 new cancer cases in veterans reported annually.

News 11's Wiley Jawhary will have more on the Evening Edition at 5 p.m. MST.