2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 950) that would provide for House floor consideration of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (Honoring our PACT) Act (HR 3967). The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on the bill and floor consideration of 28 amendments to the bill." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 220-200. [House Vote 50, 3/1/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/1/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 950]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against The Honoring Our Promise To Address Comprehensive Toxics Act Of 2021. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 950) that would provide for House floor consideration of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (Honoring our PACT) Act (HR 3967). The rule would provide for up to one hour of general debate on the bill and floor consideration of 28 amendments to the bill." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 221-202. [House Vote 49, 3/1/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/1/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 950]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against An Amendment That Required The VA To Submit A Quarterly Report On Reported Cases Of Veterans' Burn Pit Exposures. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against an amendment to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which would "include provisions of a bill (HR 2601) that would require the Veterans Affairs Department to submit to Congress a quarterly report on each reported case of a veteran's burn pit exposure." The vote was on adoption of an amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 348-78. [House Vote 56, 3/3/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 182; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Amendments That Required The Defense Department To Include A Dedicated Budget Line Item For Incinerators And Waste-To-Energy Waste Disposal Alternatives To Burn Pits. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which in part would "require the Defense Department to include in each annual budget submission through fiscal 2027 a dedicated budget line item for incinerators and waste-to-energy waste disposal alternatives to burn pits." The vote was on adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 331-96. [House Vote 52, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 177; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Establishing A Presumption Of Service-Connected Exposure For Certain Illnesses And Cancers For Veterans Who Served Near Burn Pits Or Other Airborne Hazards In Iraq, Afghanistan And Persian Gulf Countries Since August 1990. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which would "expand VA health care benefits for veterans with service-connected exposure to burn pits or other toxic substances, making such veterans eligible for VA hospital care, medical services and nursing home care. Specifically, it would establish a presumption of service-connected exposure for certain types of cancer and certain respiratory illnesses, including asthma diagnosed after service, for all veterans who served in certain periods and locations where burn pits or other airborne hazards were present, including those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf countries beginning in August 1990." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote 342-88, thus the bill was sent to President Biden and became law. [House Vote 309, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, S. 3373]
The Bill Expanded Benefits For Veterans Who Were Exposed To Radiation During The Cold War And Vietnam Veterans Exposed To Agent Orange. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would also expand benefits for certain veterans exposed to radiation during the Cold War and certain Vietnam War-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22]
The Bill Required The VA To Create A Department Working Group To Examine Toxic Exposure Cases And Modify Or Propose New Presumptions Of Service-Connected Exposure, Inform Veterans Of New Eligibility Expansions, And Examine The Scientific Connection Of Diseases And Military Toxic Exposures. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would require the VA to establish a department working group to assess cases of toxic exposure and make determinations for new or modified presumptions of service-connected exposure based on working group recommendations; conduct outreach to inform veterans of new eligibility following all such modifications; and enter into a five-year agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine to evaluate scientific evidence related to determining the associations between diseases and military toxic exposure." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22]
The Bill Required The VA To Publish Resources For Toxic-Exposed Veterans And Their Caregivers, Provide A Questionnaire In Initial Screenings, Educate And Train Health Care Personnel How To Identify And Treat Illnesses, Coordinate Collaborative Federal Research On Toxic Exposure Health Effects, And Study Toxic Exposures And Mental Health Conditions And Health Trends Of Veterans Involved In Manhattan Project Activities. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would also require the VA to publish a list of resources for toxic-exposed veterans and their caregivers and survivors; include a toxic exposure questionnaire in initial screenings conducted by VA primary care providers; provide department health care personnel with education and training to identify and treat illnesses related to toxic exposure; establish an interagency working group to coordinate collaborative federal research on health consequences of military toxic exposure; and require the National Academies to conduct a study on toxic exposures and mental health conditions and a study on health trends of veterans who participated in Manhattan Project activities." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against Expanding VA Health Benefits For Veterans With Service-Connected Toxic Exposure. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the "Bost, R-Ill., motion to recommit the bill to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee." The vote was on a motion to recommit. The House rejected the motion by a vote 208-219. [House Vote 308, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, S. 3373]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against Expanding VA Health Benefits For Veterans With Service-Connected Toxic Exposure. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "adoption of the rule (H Res 1224) that would provide for House consideration of [...] the veterans' toxic exposure benefits bill (S 3373)." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote 217-204. [House Vote 304, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, S. 3373; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1224]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against Expanding VA Health Benefits For Veterans With Service-Connected Toxic Exposure. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the "motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 1224) that would provide for House consideration of [...] the veterans' toxic exposure benefits bill (S 3373)." The vote was on a motion to order the previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote 218-208. [House Vote 303, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, S. 3373; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 1224]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Expanding VA Health Care Benefits For Veterans Who Were Exposed To Burn Pits Or Other Toxic Substances During Their Military Service. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which would "expand Veterans Affairs Department health care benefits for veterans with service-connected exposure to burn pits or other toxic substances, making such veterans eligible for VA hospital care, medical services and nursing home care." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 256-174. The Senate version, S. 3373 became law in August 2022. [House Vote 57, 3/3/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
The Bill Established A "Presumption Of Service-Connected Exposure" For Certain Cancer And Respiratory Illness Diagnoses For All Veterans Who Served Near Burn Pits Or Other Toxic Substances, Including Military Members That Served In Iraq, Afghanistan And Persian Gulf Nations Starting In August 1990. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Specifically, it would establish a presumption of service-connected exposure for certain types of cancer and certain respiratory illnesses, including asthma diagnosed after service, for all veterans who served in certain periods and locations where burn pits or other airborne hazards were present, including those who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf countries beginning in August 1990." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
The Bill Required The VA To Outreach And Inform Veterans Of The Extended Eligibility For VA Benefits Under The Bill. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would require the VA to conduct outreach to inform such veterans of their eligibility." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
The Bill Required The VA To Oversee Federally Funded Research Over Health Consequences Of Military Toxic Substance Exposures, Create A Toxic Exposure Advisory Committee, And Conduct Research On Recommendations For New Or Altered Presumptions Of Service-Connected Exposure. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would also require the VA to coordinate federally funded research activities related to health consequences of military toxic exposures; establish a toxic exposure advisory committee to assess cases of toxic exposure; and conduct research based on committee recommendations to make determinations for new or modified presumptions of service-connected exposure." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
The VA Would Be Required To Publish Resources For Toxic-Exposed Veterans, Provide A Toxic Exposure Survey In Initial Screenings, Train And Education Health Care Personnel On How To Identify And Treat Illnesses Caused By Toxic Exposure, And Create A Registry For Military Members Who May Have Been Exposed To Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Among other provisions, it would require the VA to publish a list of resources for toxic-exposed veterans and their caregivers and survivors; include a toxic exposure questionnaire in initial screenings conducted by VA primary care providers; provide department health care personnel with education and training to identify and treat illnesses related to toxic exposure; and establish a registry for servicemembers who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the release of aqueous film-forming foam on military installations." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
The Honoring Our PACT Act Would Expand Health Care Eligibility For Veterans Who Were Exposed To Burn Puts And Other Toxic Substances And Could Cover Up To 2.5 Million Veterans. According to CNN, "The legislation is called the Honoring our PACT Act, which stands for Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics. It was introduced by House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano, a California Democrat, and has bipartisan support. The bill would expand health care eligibility for former military service members exposed to burn pits and other toxins and could provide coverage for up to 3.5 million veterans." [CNN, 3/3/22]
According To A Survey By Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America, 86% Of Respondents Were Exposed To Burn Pits, Which Were Utilized To Incinerate And Burn Waste, Hazardous Substances, And Chemical Compounds In Iraq And Afghanistan. According to CNN, "Burn pits were used to incinerate and burn waste, hazardous material, and chemical compounds at military sites throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. A 2020 member survey by the advocacy organization Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America found that 86% of respondents were exposed to burn pits or other toxins." [CNN, 3/3/22]
The Bill Would Recognize 23 Respiratory Illnesses And Cancers To Have Been Caused During Military Service, Which Would Remove The Burden For Veterans To Prove The Exposure Resulted In Their Diagnoses. According to CNN, "Under the Honoring our PACT Act, 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, including any type of lymphoma or respiratory cancer, would be considered to have been incurred or exacerbated during military service, removing the burden for veterans to prove their toxic exposure resulted in these conditions." [CNN, 3/3/22]
Republicans Argued The Bill Was Too Expensive, Claiming It Would Cost More Than Nine Cabinet Departments, Whereas Democrats Argued Republicans Were More Willing To Spend On Wars That Led To The Harm Of Military Members. According to Congressional Quarterly, "House Republicans criticized the bill during initial debate Wednesday as more costly than nine Cabinet departments combined. Democrats ripped such concerns, arguing Republicans had no trouble deficit-spending on the wars that sent servicemembers into harm's way to begin with." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
According To The Congressional Budget Office, Direct Benefit Payments For Disability Benefits Would Increase By $208 Billion Over Ten Years And The New Health Care Benefits, Alongside Administrative Costs, Would Require An Additional $114 Billion. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The sweeping House bill is pretty expensive, too: Direct benefit payments for disability compensation would increase by $208 billion over a decade, the Congressional Budget Office found. And the provision of new health care benefits, which is financed through the annual appropriations process, plus VA administrative costs could require another $114 billion." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Amendments That Authorized $50 Million Annually Through FY 2027 To Award Grants To States For Programs That Improve Outreach And Assistance To Veterans Regarding The Benefits And Programs They May Qualify. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which in part would "authorize $50 million annually for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 for the Veterans Affairs Department to award grants to states for programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans regarding benefits and programs for which they may be eligible." The vote was on adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 331-96. [House Vote 52, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 177; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Amendments That Raised The Minimum Time Period To 96 Hours Within With Veterans May Be Required To Notify The VA To Be Eligible For Coverage When Receiving Emergency Care At A Non-VA Facility. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which in part would "increase from 72 to 96 hours the minimum time period within which veterans may be required to notify the Veterans Affairs Department to be eligible for VA coverage when receiving emergency medical care at a non-VA facility." The vote was on adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 331-96. [House Vote 52, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 177; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Amendments That Require Veterans Affairs To Establish An Interagency Toxic Exposure Research Working Group. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which in part would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to establish an interagency toxic exposure research working group." The vote was on adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 331-96. [House Vote 52, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 177; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted To Make All Veterans Who Served In Certain Location And Periods Where They May Have Been Exposed To Burn Pits And Toxic Substances Eligible For A Mammography Screening By A VA Medical Provider. In May 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act, which would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to ensure that all veterans who served in certain locations and periods where they may have been exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances are eligible for a mammography screening by a VA health care provider. It would also require the VA, within two years, to submit a report to Congress comparing the rates of breast cancer among servicemembers deployed to such locations with rates among other servicemembers and the civilian population." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 418-0, thus the bill was sent to the President. [House Vote 228, 5/18/22; Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/22; Congressional Actions, S. 2102]
2022: Schweikert Voted For An Amendment That Required The VA To Make Mammography Screenings Available For Veterans Who Served In The Middle East, Southwest Asia Or Other Regions When Burn Pits Were Used And Required A Report On Breast Cancer Rates Among Military Members In Such Areas. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for an amendment to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which would "require the Veterans Affairs Department to ensure that mammography screenings are available for veterans who served in the Middle East, Southwest Asia or other regions during periods when burn pits have been or are being used. It would also require the department to submit a report to Congress on rates of breast cancer among servicemembers deployed in these areas, compared to rates among civilians and other servicemembers." The vote was on adoption of an amendment. The House adopted the amendment by a vote of 425-0. [House Vote 54, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 179; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Voted For A Substitute Amendment That Would Expand Eligibility For VA Health Care Benefits Due To Toxic Exposure, Including Expanding Eligibility From Five To 10 Years After The Veteran's Discharge. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted for a Republican substitute amendment to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which would "strike the bill's text and insert provisions of a bill that would expand eligibility for Veterans Affairs Department health care benefits related to toxic substance exposure, including extending the eligibility period from five to 10 years after an eligible veteran's separation. Among other provisions, it would also require the VA to provide toxic exposure-related education and training for department health care personnel; include toxic exposure screening in its patient enrollment health care screening; and conduct studies on cancer rates among veterans and mortality among veterans who served in Southwest Asia." The vote was on adoption of an amendment. The House rejected the amendment by a vote of 203-223. [House Vote 53, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 178; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
Republicans Attempted To Pass A Substitute Amendment That Reflected The Senate Version Of The Honoring Our PACT Act, Which Was A Narrower Proposal To Extend Eligibility For VA Health Care Services From Five To 10 Years After The Member's Discharge Who Served After September 11, 2001. According to Congressional Quarterly, "The Senate has already passed, by voice vote, a smaller piece of the House package, a measure (S 3541) that would extend eligibility for health care services from five to 10 years after discharge for veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001. All but four House Republicans voted for that measure as an amendment to the larger House Democratic bill on Wednesday; the amendment was rejected, 203-223." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
Republicans Argued The Substitute Amendment Was An Inexpensive Way To Deliver Aid To Veterans, Only Costing $1 Billion Over Ten Years. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Republicans said it was a relatively inexpensive --- $1 billion over a decade --- way to deliver aid to veterans that could be signed into law immediately, in what could be billed as a bipartisan win." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
Democrats Stressed The Substitute Amendment Would Only Help 16,000 Out Of 3.5 Million Potentially Eligible Veterans Who Were Exposed To Burn Pits And Lacked The Presumption Of Service Connection To Ensure Veterans Would Not Have To Fight For Their Health Benefits. According to Congressional Quarterly, "But Democrats said it would only help about 16,000 out of 3.5 million potentially eligible Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who served in proximity to burn pits, and was missing the key piece: clearly establishing that presumption of service connection so veterans wouldn't need to fight for benefits." [Congressional Quarterly, 3/3/22]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Amendments That Authorized $150 Million For FY 2023 To Modernize And Expand Capabilities And Capacity Of The Veterans Benefits Management System To Support The Predicted Increase In Claims For Newly Eligible Veterans Under The Bill. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which in part would "authorize $150 million for fiscal 2023 for the continued modernization and expansion of capabilities and capacity of the Veterans Benefits Management System to support the expected increase in claims processing for newly eligible veterans pursuant to the bill." The vote was on adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 331-96. [House Vote 52, 3/2/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/2/22; Congressional Actions, H.Amdt. 177; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967]
2022: Schweikert Effectively Voted Against Amendments That Established A Veterans Toxic Exposures Fund For VA Health Care And Benefits Expenses Related To Toxic Exposure And Required The VA To Provide Treatment To Veterans Who Participated In Efforts After The 1968 Crash Of The U.S. Force B-52 Bomber. In March 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert effectively voted against the automatic adoption of a manager's amendment to the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, which would "establish a Veterans Toxic Exposures Fund within the Treasury and authorize such sums as necessary for the fund, beginning in fiscal 2023, for expenses related to providing Veterans Affairs Department health care and benefits related to environmental hazard exposure; authorize $30 million in fiscal 2023 for the VA to automate and streamline claims processing to support the expected increase in claims by veterans made eligible for benefits by the bill; modify provisions related to the VA's appointment of five members to a toxic exposure advisory committee established by the bill; and require the department to provide treatment to veterans who participated in response efforts following the 1968 crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber that caused the release of four thermonuclear weapons in the vicinity of Thule Air Force Base, Greenland." The vote was on adoption of the rule. The House adopted the rule by a vote of 220-200, thus the manager amendment was adopted automatically. [House Vote 50, 3/1/22; Congressional Quarterly, 3/1/22; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3967; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 950]
2022: Schweikert Voted Against Providing 500 Million For FY 2022 For A Veterans' Health Care Fund Associated With Toxic Exposure To Improve Veterans Benefits Administration Operations. In July 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Schweikert voted against the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which would "provide $500 million for fiscal 2022 for a new fund to support veterans' health care associated with toxic exposure and authorize the VA to use such funding to improve Veterans Benefits Administration operations, including for claims automation, to support increased claims processing for veterans made eligible by the bill." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote 342-88, thus the bill was sent to President Biden and became law. [House Vote 309, 7/13/22; Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22; Congressional Actions, S. 3373]
The Bill Required The VA To Enact A "National Rural Recruitment And Hiring Plan For The Veterans Health Administration," Required The VA To Create Qualifications For Human Resources Positions, And Authorized The VA To Enact Incentives To Retain And Recruit Workers. According to Congressional Quarterly, "It would also include various provisions related to VA personnel policy, including to require the VA, in collaboration with the directors of outpatient clinics and medical centers, to develop and implement a national rural recruitment and hiring plan for the Veterans Health Administration; require the VA to establish qualifications for each human resources position within the department; and authorize the VA to issue retention bonuses, student loan repayment and other incentives to retain and recruit personnel." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22]
Unlike The First Version That Passed The House, The Final Version Of This Bill Did Not Include A "Blue-Slip Provision" That Specified That Contract Buy-Outs By The VA To Hire Medical Professionals At Rural Facilities Would Not Be A Taxable Benefit. According to Congressional Quarterly, "This version of the bill would not include a blue-slip provision that would specify that contract buy-outs by the VA to employ health care professionals at rural VA facilities would not be considered a taxable benefit or event." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/13/22]