Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pits

Senate approves bill to aid vets exposed to toxic burn pits

Activist and entertainer Jon Stewart visits with veterans, military family members and advocates at a news conference after the Senate passed a bill designed to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has given final approval to a bill enhancing health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk, and he says he is looking forward to signing it into law so those veterans “finally get the benefits and comprehensive health care they earned and deserve.” The Senate had overwhelmingly approved the legislation once before, but the process briefly derailed last week when Republicans made a late attempt to change the bill. The GOP objections delayed final passage, infuriating veterans groups and advocates, including comedian Jon Stewart.

Photo: (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)