Medical Research News

There are no records to display that match the provided criteria.

WASHINGTON – Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, M.D. today teamed up to urge President Biden to ban the U.S. purchase of Russian oil. Additionally, the senators joined efforts to introduce legislation that would ban the import of Russian oil should President Biden fail to act. The senators’ efforts come ahead of President Biden’s address to the nation and in response to Russia’s unjustifiable war against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. The senators issued the following statements:

“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine must be a wake-up call to the Biden administration to maximize home-grown energy and not diminish America's energy independence,” said Sen. Moran. “Russia is America’s third largest supplier of oil. Each day the U.S. and our European allies are sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Russia for its energy resources. We can no longer subsidize Russian aggression. We need an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence, and it can’t be accomplished without enabling our oil and gas producers to play a larger role. The Biden administration must reinstate the Keystone XL Pipeline and promote sensible solutions that boost jobs at home and keep money out of the pockets of our adversaries.”

“First and foremost, President Biden needs to restart America’s energy production and quit financing Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine by continuing to purchase crude oil from Russia. Under the previous Administration, our nation was energy independent but President Biden reversed course and turned hostile nations like Russia into America’s gas station,” said Sen. Marshall. “Make no mistake, if President Biden fails to act, we will continue to work in Congress to hold Vladimir Putin accountable.”

The full letter can be found here with excerpts below.

“The United States is currently buying approximately 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products per day from Russia amid its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “We should be seeking to end Putin’s conflict before it deteriorates even further—it is time to institute an embargo on Russian energy exports.
“Further, in order to mitigate any price shocks caused as a result of an embargo on Russian energy exports, we encourage you to reevaluate energy policies which have curtailed domestic production of oil and natural gas,” the senators continued. “The United States of America must utilize its abundant natural resources, and relationships with energy producing allies, as leverage against a despotic Russian regime that is intent on disrupting peace and threatening global stability.”

Senator Moran and Marshall’s bill swiftly moves to stop financing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and removes Russian fuels from American supply chains. The prohibition in the bill would take effect 15 days after enactment and would exclude shipments that are already in transit at that time. Just yesterday, Canada announced it banned imports of crude oil from Russia. This legislation was cosponsored by Energy Committee Republican Leader Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

# # #

Sen. Moran Calls for a Unified Response from the United States Senate in Support of Ukraine

“Each of these challenges can be met if we in the Senate are unified in purpose."

Mar 01 2022

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor regarding Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and called for a unified response from the U.S. Senate.

“This war is a terrible tragedy – but it is also a wake-up call for the United States of America. When it comes to defense spending, energy production and humanitarian assistance, our commitments to these issues demonstrate our commitment to global security,” said Sen. Moran. “We must recognize that we have adversaries who seek to use force to recover claimed territory, possess weapons of mass destruction and otherwise destabilize our country and our allies and partners. For those of us in Congress, to ignore these threats would be derelict in our duty to preserve American security and prosperity.”

“Each of these challenges can be met if we in the Senate are unified in purpose,” continued Sen. Moran. “We have done this before. We can do it again.”

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) and Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today called on President Biden to institute an embargo on all Russian energy exports and reevaluate domestic energy policies that are harming American energy production.

“The United States is currently buying approximately 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products per day from Russia amid its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,” the members wrote. “We should be seeking to end Putin’s conflict before it deteriorates even further—it is time to institute an embargo on Russian energy exports.

“Further, in order to mitigate any price shocks caused as a result of an embargo on Russian energy exports, we encourage you to reevaluate energy policies which have curtailed domestic production of oil and natural gas,” the members continued. “The United States of America must utilize its abundant natural resources, and relationships with energy producing allies, as leverage against a despotic Russian regime that is intent on disrupting peace and threatening global stability.”

The full letter can be found here and below.

Dear Mr. President,

We write to urge you to immediately institute an embargo on all Russian energy exports pursuant to your authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702). We also urge you to encourage our allies and partners across the globe to take similar punitive actions against the energy exports of Russian President Putin’s ruthless regime. Energy makes up approximately one-quarter of Russia’s Gross Domestic Product, and as such, an embargo on Russian energy exports would inflict crippling consequences on its economy.

We do not urge this course of action lightly. Putin’s malicious invasion into the sovereign state of Ukraine demands sanctions which will inflict a maximal level of economic pain on the Russian economy necessary to deter further escalation of the conflict. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians displaced as a result of Putin’s war on Ukraine, news reports indicate that more than 350 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including at least 14 children, in addition to over 1,600 civilians injured thus far. Simply put, Putin must be held to account for the blood on his hands—an American embargo of Russian energy exports would impose a high cost on the Russian economy while also deterring additional bloodshed.

Further, in order to mitigate any price shocks caused as a result of an embargo on Russian energy exports, we encourage you to reevaluate energy policies which have curtailed domestic production of oil and natural gas. In particular, we urge you to reinstate the permit for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline to allow for the free flow of Canadian crude oil to U.S. refineries. The United States of America must utilize its abundant natural resources, and relationships with energy producing allies, as leverage against a despotic Russian regime that is intent on disrupting peace and threatening global stability.

The United States is currently buying approximately 700,000 barrels of oil and other petroleum products per day from Russia amid its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We should be seeking to end Putin’s conflict before it deteriorates even further—it is time to institute an embargo on Russian energy exports.

# # #

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) tonight released the following statement following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address:

“The state of our Union is sobering – we are up against the highest inflation in 40 years, record gas prices, surging violent crime, an historic number of migrants illegally crossing our southern border and alarming instability abroad. Kansas families are looking for a dose of long-overdue candor from President Biden and his administration. In President Biden’s inaugural address, and again tonight, he pledged unity, but unfortunately his first year in office has left the American people empty-handed.

“As Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjust invasion rages in Ukraine, murdering innocent people and threatening the security of all of Europe, the world is taking note of our actions, or lack thereof. We must take immediate action to bolster our defense to protect Americans, increase energy production to lessen our dependence on foreign suppliers, provide humanitarian assistance to demonstrate our commitment to global security and further isolate Putin with punishing sanctions. Even today, U.S. dollars are still subsidizing Moscow’s aggression as Russian oil arrives in our ports. This is unacceptable and is why today I introduced legislation and called on President Biden to immediately ban Russian energy imports.

“We face a crucial moment in our nation’s history. It is time for the President to work with Congress on sensible solutions to restore liberty, reduce reckless spending, protect our borders, support law enforcement, become energy independent and send a clear message to the world that America is united against aggression of any type. We need to show the American people that we can and will work together to address issues here at home, and we need to demonstrate to our friends and foes around the world that we are unified in our response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation this evening to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II. The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was sponsored by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.

“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation,” said Sen. Moran. “It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letter and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women for their service to our nation with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. I appreciate Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for all her work to honor the Six Triple Eight on behalf of a grateful nation.”

“The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing group of sheroes who were the only all-Black, Women Army Corps Battalion to serve overseas during World War II,” said Rep. Moore. “Facing both racism and sexism in a warzone, these women sorted millions of pieces of mail, closing massive mail backlogs, and ensuring service members received letters from their loved ones. A Congressional Gold Medal is only fitting for these veterans who received little recognition for their service after returning home. I am honored to recognize Six Triple Eight’s selfless service, which is long overdue and to be able to award the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the women of the Six Triple Eight including my constituent Ms. Anna Mae Robertson, whose daughter inspired me to get involved in this effort.  With House passage, we are now so much closer to making this legislation law. I am grateful to Colonel Edna Cummings and Carlton Philpot whose tireless advocacy helped advance this legislation. I also thank Senator Jerry Moran whose leadership helped pass this legislation in the Senate and Rep. Jake LaTurner, who joined me in this bipartisan effort in the House and their capable staff.”

"I am honored to help introduce this legislation in the House to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our nation,” said Rep. LaTurner. “This brave group of women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the battlefield during World War II. I want to thank my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate."

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.

“It never occurred to me that it would happen,” said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.

“I wish more of the 688th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,” said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”

“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,” said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.

“The 6888th deserves this honor for their dedication to our soldiers and their country for completing the job given to them in record time,” said Janice Martin, 6888th family member.

“I’m grateful to the 6888th veterans, families, and thousands of supporters who worked to make this Congressional Gold Medal vision a reality,” said Col. Edna W. Cummings, 6888th Advocate.

Sen. Moran today delivered remarks on the Senate floor today recognizing the House passage of the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act.

Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s full speech

Timeline of Sen. Moran’s involvement in honoring the Six Triple Eight:

  • On April 30, 2021, this legislation unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.
  • On April 20, 2021, Sen. Moran spoke at the memorial service for Deloris Ruddock, a member of the Six Triple Eight.
  • In February 2021, Sen. Moran reintroduced this legislation in 117th Congress.
  • In December 2020, the Senate passed Sen. Moran’s legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, but it did not pass the U.S. House of Representatives. 
  • In March 2019, Sen. Moran introduced S. 633 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. 
  • In November 2019, Sen. Moran participated in the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
  • Sen. Moran helped raise awareness about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and as a result the Army award the battalion with the Meritorious Unit Compensation.
  • In October 2018, the Senate unanimously passed Sen. Moran’s resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
  • Click here to watch a special tribute to the women of the Six Triple Eight.

Sen. Moran meets with surviving members of the battalion during the dedication of the memorial
for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion at Fort Leavenworth in November 2018.

Inspection of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

# # #

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately consider a comprehensive and bipartisan sanctions package in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine must be met with severe and unified consequences,” wrote Sen. Moran. “It is essential to demonstrate to the American public and the world that the Senate can work expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner to address matters of global security.”

The full letter can be found here and below.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer:

Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine must be met with severe and unified consequences.

The United States Senate should immediately consider a comprehensive and bipartisan sanctions package as soon as our colleagues on the relevant Senate committees can reach an agreement. It is essential to demonstrate to the American public and the world that the Senate can work expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner to address matters of global security. Our friends and foes will take note of our ability—or inability—to act.

Thus, I respectfully request you to suspend planned floor activity once legislation on this matter is prepared and move without delay to hold Putin accountable for his actions.

Sincerely,

 

Jerry Moran

 # # #

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) tonight released the following statement after Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.

“I am grateful for our military servicemembers stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”

# # #

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) recognized the federal disaster declaration for Kansas following the severe wind storms and fires that occurred in December.

Last month, after the Kansas Division of Emergency Management submitted the request for federal support, the Kansas congressional delegation urged President Biden to make the formal declaration to support the state in its recovery.

“The severe storms that swept across our state on December 15 upended the lives of many Kansans and destroyed critical infrastructure,” said Sen. Moran. “It will take time to recover from the devastation caused by the storms, but this federal disaster declaration will equip our state with resources to help Kansans in the process.”

“Communities and individuals across Kansas are facing a long road to recovery following the severe storms that ripped through communities in December,” said Sen. Marshall. “I applaud President Biden for granting this federal disaster declaration that will provide our state with the support and resources needed to rebuild and restore our communities and public infrastructure. My office stands at the ready to help Kansans in need of federal assistance as they work towards getting back on their feet.”

“As Kansans continue to rebuild from the extensive damage done by the windstorm and wildfires in December, I am reminded of their resilience,” said Rep. Mann. “In the past two months, communities have banded together to help their neighbors recover from losing homes, farms, and livestock. Now with this declaration of disaster, Kansans will have access to resources to help them rebuild even stronger.”

“In December, communities across Kansas were hit hard with severe storms, including tornados, hail, heavy thunderstorms, and straight-line wind gusts up to 100 mph," said Rep. LaTurner. "After coming together with my fellow Kansans to request federal assistance, I am grateful that much-needed disaster relief funds will soon be coming to Kansas to help respond and recover from the severe weather."

“I’m grateful to my Kansas colleagues here in Washington for coming together to support our state, and to the President for responding to our request for help,” said Rep. Davids. “The rare and severe weather we experienced late last year cost Kansans their lives and their livelihoods. These federal funds will supplement the ongoing state disaster response and accelerate our recovery.”

“Kansans have been affected by the severe weather that swept across the state in December,” said Rep. Estes. “These emergency funds from FEMA alleviate the stress on families and local governments and provide support to communities in need.”

Items to note:

  • The delegation’s letter to President Biden from last month can be viewed here.
  • Sens. Moran and Marshall, alongside Rep. Mann, this week urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to grant flexibility under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for producers affected by the wildfires.
  • Kansans needing assistance with federal resources can find office contact information here.

# # #

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) recently introduced the Strengthening STEM Ecosystems Act, legislation to boost STEM workforce and job training.

The bill would establish a grant program within the National Science Foundation to provide funding to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) ecosystems and their partners to better connect communities, share knowledge and create pathways for students to enter STEM careers.

With jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields expected to grow dramatically in the next decade, this bill will support existing initiatives and ensure STEM organizations are involved in workforce development, education and economic planning by promoting the exchange of knowledge and better connecting communities to their STEM partners.

“Expanding STEM education opportunities is critical to bolstering America’s long-term competitiveness on the global stage,” said Sen. Moran. “STEM ecosystems are effective at bringing together nonprofits, schools districts, businesses, museums, universities, and more to accomplish just that. I have been a longtime supporter of STEM education and am pleased to introduce this bill with Sen. Kelly to support new and existing STEM ecosystems and their efforts to better reach rural America.”

“Our legislation creates paths for Arizonans to develop skills in STEM in and out of the classroom by supporting local initiatives that help students get the experience and training needed for jobs in growing technology fields,” said Sen. Kelly. “Strong skills in science and technology are critical to preparing Arizonans for the many high-paying jobs of the future and ensuring that the United States maintains its competitive edge on the global stage.”

See additional statements of support for Sens. Moran and Kelly’s legislation below:

“By aligning in-school STEM curriculum with local industry experts working in STEM fields, students in communities with thriving STEM learning ecosystems can build social capital, get an inside look at future employment and internship opportunities and receive direct feedback on project work from STEM professionals,” said Martha McCabe, Executive Director, KC STEM Alliance. “At the KC STEM Alliance, we are excited about the possibilities for expansion of the STEM Learning Ecosystem model throughout the state of Kansas.”

“Our nation’s future prosperity depends on excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and on making sure every single child in this country has a fair shot at excelling in these critical fields,” said James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition. “Investing in the capacity of regional, state, and local community-based and STEM focused organizations that aspire to this goal is the foundation of a sustainable strategy to keep our country strong and competitive. The Strengthening STEM Ecosystems Act is a novel, bipartisan approach to meet this challenge.”

“This legislation will be a transformative investment to enable regional STEM ecosystems across the country to connect their business, education, and community organizations to collectively inspire and engage millions in STEM,” said Jeremy Babendure, Executive Director, SciTech Institute.

# # #

Moran, Tester Bill to Expand VA Health Care for Post-9/11 Veterans Unanimously Clears Senate

Committee leaders’ bipartisan Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act one step closer to becoming law

Feb 16 2022

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) bringing it one step closer to law. The senators’ Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act would expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care for Post-9/11 combat veterans—including those suffering from conditions related to toxic exposure.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Supporting our veterans has a way of bringing us together, and I appreciate my Senate colleagues understanding the urgency of this bill and working to quickly pass it by unanimous consent,” said Ranking Member Moran. “Addressing the needs of veterans exposed to burn pits cannot wait, and I urge my colleagues in the House to follow suit, pass this important legislation and bring us one step closer to fulfilling our duty to Post-9/11 veterans.”

“Unanimous passage of our Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act sends a clear message to toxic-exposed veterans across the country that we are committed to moving the needle on addressing toxic exposures in a comprehensive and bipartisan way,” said Chairman Tester. “Our bill is a necessary step in connecting an entire generation of veterans with the VA care they need and cannot wait for any longer. This kind of swift action is a testament to what can be accomplished when we all row in the same direction, and I encourage my House colleagues to join us in getting this bill across the finish line to quickly deliver relief where it’s most needed.” 

Approximately 3.5 million Post-9/11 combat veterans may have experienced some level of exposure to burn pits during their service, and nearly one-third of those veterans are currently unable to access VA care. Among its many provisions, the senators’ bipartisan Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act would extend the period of health care eligibility for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001 from five years to ten years following discharge—enrolling a new wave of previously-ineligible veterans into the VA system. This bill also includes critical measures to improve training on toxic exposures for VA employees, mandate clinical toxic exposure screenings, and bolster federal research on the effects of toxic exposures.

The senators’ health care expansion effort has strong backing from the nation’s leading Veterans Service Organizations:

“The VFW is thankful for the attention Senators Tester and Moran have brought to veterans by introducing this proposal which will expand health coverage for certain veterans from five years to ten years of eligibility after they leave the service,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Legislative Director Pat Murray. “We appreciate and understand this bill is the first step in providing care and benefits for certain veterans and we implore the Senate to quickly introduce and pass steps two, three, and more.”

“One of the pressing needs of veterans who were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances during service is guaranteed access to VA health care,” said Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Vice President for Government and Community Relations Jose Ramos. “Current law provides recently discharged combat veterans with 5 years of guaranteed care, but exposure-related illnesses often surface well past this short window of time. By extending the eligibility window to 10 years with a 1-year open enrollment period, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act will allow more veterans to access care in the short term. While we thank Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran for taking a first step to address this issue, we emphasize that there is still more work to be done.  No veteran who suffered burn pit exposure should ever be turned away from VA care, regardless of whether they served 10 years ago, 20 years ago, or longer. This is why we continue to support the COST of War Act, which would guarantee permanent access to care for exposed veterans, regardless of when they were discharged. We look forward to working with the Committee to pass the COST of War Act—a long-term health care solution—before the end of the 117th Congress.”

“MOAA supports the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act and the expanded health care access, medical screenings, research, and training this bill offers,” said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lieutenant General Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret). “Our burn pit exposed veterans have been waiting far too long to get their health care needs met. We applaud Senators Tester and Moran for working together on this legislation and urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill.”

“The American Legion is proud to support the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act which eases the burden on veterans navigating the claims filing process by giving all post-9/11 veterans, in any theater of combat operations after November 1998, access to VA healthcare by granting Priority Group 6 eligibility,” said The American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard. “Although VA is working to improve the presumptive process, unfortunately time is running out for some. On behalf of the 1.8 million dues paying members of The American Legion, we thank Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran for their continued leadership on this issue.”

Today’s passage follows the Senators’ bipartisan call to action in an op-ed published in the Military Times last week.

As leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Sens. Moran and Tester have been dedicated to identifying a path forward for outstanding toxic exposure issues, and remain committed to providing timely care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans. The Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act is the first of a three-step approach to expand access to health care for toxic-exposed veterans, establish a new process through which VA will determine future presumptive conditions, and provide overdue benefits to thousands of toxic-exposed veterans who have been long-ignored or forgotten.

Last Congress, Sens. Moran and Tester also successfully championed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, known as the Hannon Act, a groundbreaking law to widen and improve veterans’ access to lifesaving VA mental health care and services. The Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act would provide the biggest expansion in mental health care for Post-9/11 veterans since the signing of the Hannon Act.

# # #