News from MHCE AUGUST 2022 EDITION Former VA Secretaries Push for National Day of Recognition to Prevent Veteran Suicides See page 22 Monthly Newsletter WWW.MHCE.US How Health Care for Vets Became Fight in Congress WASHINGTON — A bill that would enhance health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits hit a snag in the Senate last week, angering advocates like comedian Jon Stewart who say help from the government is long overdue. Lawmakers have been hearing increasingly from constituents with respiratory illnesses and cancers that they attribute to serving near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military used the pits to dispose of such things as chemicals, cans, tires, plastics and medical and human waste. Veterans groups say servicemembers who were exposed to the pits have waited long enough for enhanced health benefits, and lawmakers largely agree. The Senate is ultimately expected to send the measure to President Joe Biden's desk. It's just a question of when. Where the issue stands: HOW WOULD THE BILL HELP IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS? First, veterans who served near burn pits will get 10 years of health care coverage through the Continued on page 13
