Press Release - Veterans Demand Transparency on PACT Act, Contractors Lose Funding.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26th, 2025
Veterans Demand Transparency on PACT Act, Contractors Lose Funding.
Washington, D.C. — Burn Pits 360 and Veteran advocates nationwide are calling on the new administration to provide immediate clarity on the future of the Honoring Our PACT Act, as reports emerge that contractors working on its implementation have lost funding. This abrupt shift threatens to disrupt the vital services and benefits that millions of Veterans depend on.
“The PACT Act was a bipartisan historic victory for Veterans and survivors impacted by toxic burn pits and other airborne hazards. Cutting funding for those responsible for implementing it is unacceptable,” said Rosie Torres, co-founder of Burn Pits 360. “We need answers—what is the administration’s plan to implement the law and ensure Veterans continue receiving the care and benefits they were promised?”
The PACT Act expanded healthcare and disability benefits to veterans suffering from illnesses caused by toxic exposures. Since its passage, it has provided access to medical care, compensation, and support for over five million Veterans and their families. However, with funding suddenly being stripped from contractors responsible for processing claims, conducting medical screenings, and expanding outreach, there are growing concerns that Veterans will face delays, denials, and disruptions in accessing critical services.
The PACT Act Enterprise Program Management Office was responsible for integrating implementation of a very complex and comprehensive law across the Administrations and Staff Offices in VA to reduce the burden on Veterans, to encourage the bureaucracy to work on behalf of Veterans and not force Veterans to have to figure out VA’s bureaucracy. The loss of those two contracts effectively kneecaps the PACT Act Office and puts Veterans and survivors life at risk.
Veterans and their families are demanding immediate transparency from the administration. Burn Pits 360 is calling for:
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A public statement from the administration outlining the future of PACT Act implementation.
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Full restoration of funding to ensure no veteran experiences delays in benefits or healthcare.
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Congressional oversight hearings to hold leadership accountable for any setbacks in delivering care.
VA Secretary Doug Collins is already on the record stating that, “budgets won't be balanced on the back of Veterans.”
“This is not just a budget decision—it’s a life-or-death issue for Veterans suffering from toxic exposure-related illnesses,” Torres emphasized. “The government made a promise, we honored our oath, now honor yours.”
“Veterans and their families fought for 13 years to get the PACT Act passed, We slept on the steps of our nation’s capitol for 5 nights and we will not stand by while its implementation is jeopardized,” said Rosie Torres, co-founder of Burn Pits 360.
Burn Pits 360 urges all Veterans, families, and supporters to contact their elected officials and demand action. The time for vague answers and budget cuts is over—Veterans deserve full accountability and an immediate plan to move forward.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rosie Torres
Burn Pits 360, Executive Director
Rosie.Torres@burnpits360.org
361-816-4015
For a PDF version of this press release Click Here.
