Pappas Pushes For Implementation of PACT Act
Pappas questioned VA leaders on implementing bipartisan legislation, the Honoring Our PACT Act, which expands VA health care to veterans exposed to toxic substances.
Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, helped lead a subcommittee hearing that focused on the implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act, bipartisan legislation Pappas fought to pass last year, which expanded VA health care to three million veterans who were exposed to burn pits and toxic chemicals like Agent Orange.
The Honoring Our PACT Act included Pappas's VA Workforce Investment and Expansion Act, which expands VA workforce by enhancing hiring practices and incentives to recruit and retain health care professionals.
During his opening statement, Pappas discussed the importance of the work VA is doing to implement the most significant expansion of veteran's health care and benefits in decades. He pressed VA on the need to continue to communicate to veterans, especially those who have historically been underserved. He focused on the need for VA to ensure they have the workforce necessary to address the increase in claims. Pappas also highlighted his bipartisan legislation to enhance hiring practices and retain VA health care workers.
In March, Pappas questioned Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough on several key issues facing Granite State veterans, including the implementation of the PACT Act. At that hearing, Pappas secured the support of Secretary McDonough to work together to increase awareness and outreach, including additional claims clinics.