Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, during deployments and war, the military incinerated waste in large burn pits. Many contained hazardous materials that emitted toxic fumes. Our veterans have long suffered from the practice, but the VA has not been able to adequately recognize the effects and provide care for those who suffer from such exposures.

To be clear, this is not a benefit. It is a moral obligation to care for these veterans.

It is not a great bill. Congress has already squandered two decades trying to do the right thing here. When BP spilled oil and contaminated the Gulf, their responsibility for cleanup was not optional. Why should America's government have less responsibility for the harm caused to our veterans?

It is free to join our military, but for some, service costs everything. Others return with wounds that are seen and unseen. We must recognize the cost of war, and the bill for our veterans harmed by toxic burn pits is long overdue. Please pass this bill.

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