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Mr. LANDSMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Takano for hosting tonight and for his leadership on the PACT Act, which has helped so many veterans.
Our veterans and servicemembers have sacrificed so much on behalf of all of us. We know now that during their service, millions were exposed to toxic substances, and these exposures have caused serious health issues for so many.
This is why, 2 years ago, Representative Takano and others passed the PACT Act. This landmark legislation expanded healthcare for veterans exposed to these toxic substances. Since its passage, over 32,000 Ohioans and over 1 million veterans nationwide have had their PACT Act claims granted by the VA. This means that these folks are finally getting the healthcare they deserve.
As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am proud to serve our veterans and advocate for better benefits, more funding, and continued investment in their well-being.
In our district, we have over 30,000 veterans. By ensuring the continued acceptance of PACT Act claims, funding the VA properly, and passing important veteran legislation like our Employing Veterans to Feed America Act, which provides jobs for veterans, we are doing important work.
I am grateful for all the veterans in southwest Ohio and across the country. I promise to keep working to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
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