Senate passes bill to help veterans exposed to burn pits during military service

(KYMA, KECY/CNN) - On June 16, the Senate passed a bill to help veterans who were affected by toxic burn pits.

"Today is a historic, long awaited day for our nation's veterans," stated Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. "In a few moments, the Senate is finally going to pass the PACT Act, the most significant expansion of health care benefits to our veterans in generations."

Since the death of Air Force medic Jennifer Kepner, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) Ruiz has helped lead efforts for veterans to receive the aid they need with the Honoring our PACT Act and the Jennifer Kepner HOPE Act.

“I enthusiastically applaud the Senate passage of the bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act,” expressed Dr. Ruiz. "The fight for presumptive benefits for veterans suffering from their burn pit exposure has been an uphill battle and one that I have led for years in memory of Cathedral City veteran Jennifer Kepner who died from pancreatic cancer due to her exposure to toxic burn pits. Today is a moment that is years in the making and brings us closer than ever before to getting burn pit-exposed veterans the benefits and care they have earned and deserve. I look forward to quickly sending this historic legislation to President Biden’s desk.”

The legislation will now be heading to the House of Representatives to be voted on.