{"format":1,"id":"117-s-3373","congress":117,"number":"S. 3373","kind":"bill","group":"bills","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022","title_source":"Short Titles as Enacted","official_title":"A bill to improve the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and the Children of Fallen Heroes Grant.","titles":[{"type":"Official Title as Introduced","title":"A bill to improve the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and the Children of Fallen Heroes Grant."},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House bill text","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House bill text","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"TEAM Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) from Engrossed Amendment House for portions of this bill","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"TEAM Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Conceding Our Veterans’ Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles for portions of this bill from ENR (Enrolled) bill text","title":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"type":"Display Title","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Official Title as Agreed to by House and Senate","title":"An Act to improve health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes."},{"type":"Short Titles as Enacted","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Enacted","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed House","title":"Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Titles as Passed House","title":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Passed Senate","title":"Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act"},{"type":"Short Title(s) as Introduced","title":"Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act"}],"outcome":"became_law","law_number":"Public Law 117-168","introduced":"2021-12-09","chambers":{"house":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2022-07-13","vote":{"id":"117-2022-h309","question":"On Passage","title":"Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act","result":"Passed","yea":342,"nay":88,"present":0,"not_voting":1,"source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll309.xml"}},"senate":{"status":"roll_call","date":"2022-08-02","vote":{"id":"117-2022-s280","question":"On the Motion","title":"Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S.3373","result":"Motion Agreed to","yea":86,"nay":11,"present":0,"not_voting":3,"source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00280.xml"}}},"president":{"status":"signed","date":"2022-08-10"},"vice_president_tie_breaker":null,"latest_action":{"text":"Became Public Law No: 117-168.","date":"2022-08-10"},"nominees":null,"amendments":[],"other_votes":[{"chamber":"house","date":"2022-07-13","question":"On Motion to Commit","title":"Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act","result":"Failed","yea":208,"nay":219,"present":0,"not_voting":3,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2022/roll308.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-07-27","question":"On the Cloture Motion","title":"Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 3373","result":"Cloture Motion Rejected","yea":55,"nay":42,"present":0,"not_voting":3,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00272.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-08-02","question":"On the Motion","title":"Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 3373 with Amendment No. 5184.","result":"Motion Rejected","yea":7,"nay":90,"present":0,"not_voting":3,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00277.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-08-02","question":"On the Motion","title":"Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S.3373 with Amendment No. 5186","result":"Motion Rejected","yea":47,"nay":48,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00278.xml"},{"chamber":"senate","date":"2022-08-02","question":"On the Motion","title":"Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S.3373 with Amendment No. 5185","result":"Motion Rejected","yea":48,"nay":47,"present":0,"not_voting":5,"kind":"procedural","source":"https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1172/vote_117_2_00279.xml"}],"crs_summary":{"date":"2022-08-10","stage":"Public Law","blocks":[{"k":"h","t":"Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE I--EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY"},{"k":"p","t":"Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022 or the COVENANT Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"Subtitle A--Toxic-Exposed Veterans"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 103) This section provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (e.g., a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system, such as the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record); (2) served in specified locations on specified dates; or (3) deployed in support of a specified contingency operation."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 104) The VA must complete an assessment to determine (1) the personnel and material resources necessary to implement the expanded provision of care to the veterans specified in Section 103 of this bill (e.g., veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity), and (2) the total number of veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates and receive hospital care or medical services from the VA, disaggregated by priority group."},{"k":"p","t":"Subtitle B--Certain Veterans Of Combat Service And Other Matters"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 111) This section extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are toxic-exposed veterans, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE II--TOXIC EXPOSURE PRESUMPTION PROCESS"},{"k":"p","t":"Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022 or the TEAM Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 202) This section prescribes the procedures for establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure, including by providing for public notice and comment periods and the establishment of a working group to advise and make recommendations regarding toxic exposures during military service."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 203) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for compensation for a service-connected disability that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 204) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection in relation to dependency and indemnity compensation. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for dependency and indemnity compensation related to service-connected conditions that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE III--IMPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CONNECTION PROCESS FOR TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS"},{"k":"p","t":"Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 302) This section establishes a presumption that veterans were exposed to certain substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service in specified locations in specified time frames (e.g., on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 303) The VA must provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE IV--PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION"},{"k":"p","t":"Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 401) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the VA presumption of service-connection for specified cancers."},{"k":"p","t":"Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 402) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, or in the response effort following the on-board fire and crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in the vicinity of Thule Air Force Base, Greenland, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the presumption of service-connection for specified cancers."},{"k":"p","t":"Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 403) This section expands the presumption of service-connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Specifically, the bill expands the presumption to cover veterans who served during specified time frames in Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or the waters thereof, or on Johnson Atoll. Under the bill, such veterans are eligible for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care."},{"k":"p","t":"Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 404) This section provides a presumption of service-connection for hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who performed service specified in Section 403 of this bill (e.g., in Thailand)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 405) This section addresses disability compensation and care issues for Persian Gulf War veterans, including by expanding who qualifies as a Persian Gulf Veteran."},{"k":"p","t":"Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 406) This section establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to specified substances, chemicals, or airborne hazards becoming manifest in veterans who served in specified locations during specified times (e.g., Iraq on or after August 2, 1990)."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE V--RESEARCH MATTERS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 501) The VA must collaborate with various entities, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), to establish the Toxic Exposure Research Working Group to (1) identify collaborative research activities and resources and conduct such research related to health consequences of toxic exposure during military service, and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for collaborative research activities."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 502) The VA must continually analyze all clinical data obtained in connection with its provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for toxic-exposed veterans that is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association between a veteran's medical condition and a toxic exposure."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 503) The VA must conduct an updated analysis of total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations at specified times, such as in Kuwait on or after August 2, 1990."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 504) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 505) The VA must study the incidence of cancer in veterans to determine trends in the rates of incidence of cancer in veterans."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 506) The VA must enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to study the health trends of veterans who, during active service, participated in activities relating to the Manhattan Project or resided near specified locations proximate to waste arising from activities in connection with the Manhattan Project."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 507) The VA must enter an agreement with NASEM to study possible relationships between toxic exposures experienced during service in the Armed Forces and mental health conditions."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 508) The Government Accountability Office must study the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to veterans in territories and Freely Associated States of the United States."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 509) The VA must establish and maintain a publicly accessible website to serve as a clearinghouse for the publication of all toxic exposure research carried out or funded by the executive branch of the federal government."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 510) The VA must report to Congress on the health effects of jet fuels used by the Armed Forces."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF RESOURCES AND TRAINING REGARDING TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS"},{"k":"p","t":"Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022 or the FASTER Presumption Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 602) The VA must publish a list of its resources for toxic-exposed veterans and veterans who report toxic exposure, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits. The VA must also develop an informative outreach program for veterans on illnesses that may be related to toxic exposures."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 603) The VA must incorporate a screening to help determine potential toxic exposures during active military service as part of the health care screening furnished to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 604) The VA must provide its health care personnel with education and training to identify, treat, and assess the impact on veterans of illnesses related to toxic exposures. Additionally, the VA must incorporate an annual training program for processors of claims for disability benefits relating to service-connected disabilities based on toxic exposures."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VII--RESOURCING"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 701) The VA is authorized to use funds appropriated to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to continue the modernization, development, and expansion of capabilities and capacity of information technology systems and infrastructure of the VBA to support expected increased claims processing for newly eligible veterans. The VA must submit a plan to Congress for the modernization of the information technology systems of the VBA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 702) This section authorizes the VA to carry out various medical facility leases at specified amounts in FY2023 (e.g., an outpatient clinic in Allentown, Pennsylvania)."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 703) This section prohibits funds from being appropriated, obligated, or expended for any major VA medical facility lease unless the congressional veterans affairs committees each adopt a resolution approving the lease."},{"k":"p","t":"Additionally, this section (1) modifies the requirements for the prospectus that must be submitted regarding a request for funding a major medical facility lease, and (2) authorizes the VA to carry out interim leasing actions as it considers necessary for approved major medical facility leases and replacement leases that do not require approval."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 704) The VA may enter into a lease with an academic affiliate or other specified entity to acquire space for the purpose of providing health care resources to veterans."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 705) This section modifies the enhanced-use lease authority of the VA, including by permanently authorizing such authority and extending the maximum term of such leases from 75 to 99 years. This section also provides appropriations for entering into enhanced-used leases and authorizes the VA to deposit unutilized funds received under an enhanced-use lease in the Medical Facilities or the Construction, Minor Projects accounts."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 706) This section prescribes the authority for joint leasing actions between DOD and the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 707) This section provides specified appropriations for major medical facility leases through FY2031."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE VIII--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 801) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served at Fort McClellan at any time between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 802) DOD must brief Congress on the quality of its databases that provide the information presented in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and the usefulness of the record in supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in receiving health care and benefits."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 803) The VA must provide a means for veterans to update their records as necessary to reflect exposures to occupational or environmental hazards in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record."},{"k":"p","t":"Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 804) This section provides a federal cause of action for individuals who resided, worked, or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) for not less than 30 days to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 805) This section establishes the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund in the Treasury to be administered by the VA to invest in the delivery of veterans' health care and benefits associated with exposures to environmental hazards during military services and medical and other research relating to exposure to environmental hazards."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 806) This section provides appropriations to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to remain available through FY2024. The VA must submit a plan for expending such amounts."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 807) This section authorizes the VA to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 808) The VA must annually submit a report related to veterans who submit a disability claim for a service-connected disability and were deployed at specified locations at specified times. Additionally, the VA must ensure that VA medical professionals inform a veteran of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if a veteran seeks treatment at a VA medical facility for issues related to, or ancillary to, the exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits."},{"k":"p","t":"TITLE IX--IMPROVEMENT OF WORKFORCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 901) The VA must develop and implement a national rural recruitment and hiring plan for the VHA to, among other purposes, recruit health care professionals for rural and highly rural community-based outpatient clinics and medical centers."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 902) The VA may buy out a non-VA service contract of certain health care professionals to whom the VA has offered employment in exchange for the individual agreeing to be employed at a rural or highly rural facility for at least four years."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 903) The VA must establish qualifications for each of its human resources positions and establish standardized performance metrics for such positions. The VA must also establish or enhance its systems to monitor human resources actions that occur at local, regional, and national levels to improve performance of those actions. The VA must also submit a plan to Congress for the recruitment and retention of human resources employees within the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 904) This section increases the pay cap for certain employees of the VHA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 905) This section expands employment opportunities for housekeeping aides by removing the requirement that competition for VA housekeeping aide positions is restricted to preference eligibles."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 906) This section modifies the authority of the VA related to hours, conditions and employment, and pay for certain employees of the VHA, specifically certain appointees and Senior Executive Service positions. Additionally, the section authorizes the VA to establish an awards program for certain appointed personnel, such as physicians."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 907) The VA is authorized to waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee of the VHA during the calendar year in which the official duty station of the employee is closed or the office, facility, activity, or organization of the employee is realigned. Similarly, the VA may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee whose primary duties include providing expanded care for veterans exposed to open burn pits."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 908) This section eliminates the limitation on aggregate amounts for awards and bonuses for employees of the VA."},{"k":"p","t":"(Sec. 909) Among other elements, this section provides additional authority for the VA to provide recruitment and relocation bonuses, retention bonuses, merit awards, incentives for critical skills, and student loan repayments. The section increases the cap on the number of college graduates and post-secondary students the VA may hire through an expedited process. The VA may authorize the fixing of the rate of pay for critical positions in the VA, with some limitations. Additionally, the VA may establish a rate for special pay and may waive the limitation on certain payments, such as bonuses."}],"words":2566},"summary":{"main_subject":{"text":"Changes laws on Department of Veterans Affairs health care eligibility, disability presumptions, research, resources and operations for veterans with toxic exposures during military service.","cites":[{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HFE0FFFC804E34059AF2DB5D92EC911F4:~:text=103.%20Expansion%20of%20health%20care%20for%20specific"},{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H77E027966CD54890ABC39AA284822878:~:text=202.%20Improvements%20to%20ability%20of%20Department%20of"},{"label":"Sec. 406","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H5FBA5EA10FE342789E2AE5B15BAE503F:~:text=406.%20Presumption%20of%20service%20connection%20for%20certain"}]},"core_areas":["VA health care eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans","Process for setting presumptions of service connection based on toxic exposure","Presumed exposure and presumed service connection for burn pit, herbicide and radiation exposure","Toxic exposure research and studies","VA major medical facility leases and enhanced-use leases","Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund","VA workforce recruitment, retention and pay","Camp Lejeune water exposure lawsuits"],"what_it_does":[{"text":"Makes veterans who took part in a toxic exposure risk activity, covered veterans, and veterans deployed in support of listed contingency operations eligible for VA hospital care, medical services and nursing home care, with start dates phased from October 1, 2024 to October 1, 2032.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HFE0FFFC804E34059AF2DB5D92EC911F4:~:text=103.%20Expansion%20of%20health%20care%20for%20specific"}},{"text":"Directs the Secretary to run annual public notice and comment, a working group, formal evaluations and regulations to decide whether to establish or remove presumptions of service connection based on toxic exposure.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 202","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H77E027966CD54890ABC39AA284822878:~:text=202.%20Improvements%20to%20ability%20of%20Department%20of"}},{"text":"Requires VA to presume that covered veterans who served in listed countries on or after August 2, 1990, or September 11, 2001, were exposed to substances on a VA-maintained list, unless affirmative evidence shows otherwise.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 302","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HAB1A616A5E51497CAB8A99D02CEEE173:~:text=302.%20Presumptions%20of%20toxic%20exposure"}},{"text":"Presumes service connection for listed diseases in covered veterans, including asthma, several cancers, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with effective dates phased from enactment to October 1, 2025.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 406","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H5FBA5EA10FE342789E2AE5B15BAE503F:~:text=406.%20Presumption%20of%20service%20connection%20for%20certain"}},{"text":"Extends the herbicide-exposure presumption beyond Vietnam to service at listed locations in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll during specified periods.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 403","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H056ACBC10DD740879FC8F2748665DE72:~:text=403.%20Presumptions%20of%20service%20connection%20for%20diseases"}},{"text":"Adds monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and hypertension to the diseases presumed service-connected for herbicide exposure, with general effective dates of October 1, 2022 and October 1, 2026.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 404","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HAF696E64349240F08633A3D5318217FD:~:text=404.%20Addition%20of%20additional%20diseases%20associated%20with"}},{"text":"Lets individuals exposed for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, bring an action in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 804","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H1974679CDA864491B1CB10D5F1E0BF71:~:text=804.%20Federal%20cause%20of%20action%20relating%20to"}},{"text":"Appropriates $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund, available until September 30, 2024, and requires a spend plan before funds are obligated.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 806","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H2DB012C26D07453989836E1FAF42D864:~:text=806.%20Appropriation%20for%20fiscal%20year%202022"}},{"text":"Appropriates $1,880,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 to the Medical Facilities account for the major medical facility leases authorized by section 702.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 707","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HA7D07B728A9F4A95901FC43E74364B63:~:text=707.%20Appropriation%20of%20amounts%20for%20major%20medical"}},{"text":"Changes VA enhanced-use lease authority by extending the maximum lease term from 75 years to 99 years, repealing the sunset, and appropriating $922,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 to enter into such leases.","cite":{"label":"Sec. 705","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HC7205526BD364C86B2B958ED172F480E:~:text=705.%20Modifications%20to%20enhanced"}}],"unexpected":[{"category":"off_subject","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 508","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H373712FEB4554549B550807D572EB865:~:text=508.%20Study%20on%20veterans%20in%20Territories%20of"},"heading":"Study on veterans in Territories of the United States","effect":"Directs the Comptroller General to study access to and barriers to VA benefits and services for veterans in Territories and Freely Associated States, and to brief Congress within one year.","amount":null,"quote":"shall conduct a study on the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 807","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HFEC031428A9E4718B9104ABD11BD470A:~:text=807.%20Authorization%20of%20electronic%20notice%20in%20claims"},"heading":"Authorization of electronic notice in claims under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs","effect":"Lets the Department of Veterans Affairs send claim decision notices electronically when a claimant elects it, and changes wording from mailed to issued in several title 38 sections on claims and appeals.","amount":null,"quote":"The Secretary may provide notice under subsection (a) electronically if a claimant (or the claimant’s representative) elects to receive such notice electronically."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 111","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HAD9332BF51AC42D6BA97A9D3EE248C8F:~:text=111.%20Expansion%20of%20period%20of%20eligibility%20for"},"heading":"Expansion of period of eligibility for health care for certain veterans of combat service","effect":"Changes the enrollment window for health care for veterans of combat service from five years to 10 years, and sets a one-year window starting October 1, 2022 for certain veterans discharged after September 11, 2001 and before October 1, 2013.","amount":null,"quote":"by striking “five-year period” and inserting “10-year period”"}]},{"category":"narrow_beneficiary","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 801","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HB7CE6185EC6345D3B8C790BC7E6D59FA:~:text=801.%20Epidemiological%20study%20on%20Fort%20McClellan%20veterans"},"heading":"Epidemiological study on Fort McClellan veterans","effect":"Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served at Fort McClellan between January 1, 1935 and May 20, 1999.","amount":null,"quote":"shall conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces at Fort McClellan at any time during the period beginning January 1, 1935"}]},{"category":"named_funding","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 702","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H93CD5BEC275F42BA9814D0E4865E26F6:~:text=702.%20Authorization%20of%20major%20medical%20facility%20leases"},"heading":"Authorization of major medical facility leases of Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2023","effect":"Authorizes 31 specific major medical facility leases in fiscal year 2023 at named locations, each with its own estimated amount, and authorizes $998,137,000 in total for them.","amount":null,"quote":"Lease for an outpatient clinic in the vicinity of Allentown, Pennsylvania, in an estimated amount of $31,832,000."}]},{"category":"selective_carve_out","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 103","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HFE0FFFC804E34059AF2DB5D92EC911F4:~:text=103.%20Expansion%20of%20health%20care%20for%20specific"},"heading":"Expansion of health care for specific categories of toxic-exposed veterans and veterans supporting certain overseas contingency operations","effect":"Starts VA health care eligibility for certain toxic-exposed veterans on different dates, from October 1, 2024 to October 1, 2032, depending on the veteran's discharge period or deployment.","amount":null,"quote":"October 1, 2026, with respect to a veteran described in such subparagraph (G) or (H) who was discharged or released from the active military, naval, air, or space service"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 403","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H056ACBC10DD740879FC8F2748665DE72:~:text=403.%20Presumptions%20of%20service%20connection%20for%20diseases"},"heading":"Presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with exposures to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in certain locations","effect":"Extends the herbicide-exposure presumption to service in listed locations and dates. It takes effect on enactment for dependency and indemnity compensation claimants and for veterans who are terminally ill, homeless, in extreme financial hardship or over 85, and on October 1, 2022 for everyone else.","amount":null,"quote":"On October 1, 2022, for everyone not described in paragraph (1)."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 404","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HAF696E64349240F08633A3D5318217FD:~:text=404.%20Addition%20of%20additional%20diseases%20associated%20with"},"heading":"Addition of additional diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for which there is a presumption of service connection for veterans who served in certain locations","effect":"Adds monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and hypertension to the herbicide presumptions with different start dates by group, and limits retroactive awards to dependency and indemnity compensation claimants.","amount":null,"quote":"shall award retroactive claims for a condition under section 1116(a)(2)(M) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (c) of this section, only to claimants for dependency and indemnity compensation"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 406","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H5FBA5EA10FE342789E2AE5B15BAE503F:~:text=406.%20Presumption%20of%20service%20connection%20for%20certain"},"heading":"Presumption of service connection for certain diseases associated with exposure to burn pits and other toxins","effect":"Creates the burn pit presumption of service connection with start dates that vary by disease, from the date of enactment to October 1, 2025 for most veterans.","amount":null,"quote":"On October 1, 2024, for everyone not described in paragraph (1), with respect to subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), (E), (F), (G), and (K) of section 1120(b)(2) of such title, as so added."},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 704","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HEFFA1FAFA3044D26BFEF6D4F32D0BBB0:~:text=704.%20Authority%20to%20enter%20into%20agreements%20with"},"heading":"Authority to enter into agreements with academic affiliates and other entities to acquire space for the purpose of providing health-care resources to veterans","effect":"Lets the Secretary lease space from an academic affiliate or covered entity without competitive procedures when the Secretary finds it to be in the best interest of the Department.","amount":null,"quote":"Notwithstanding any other provision of law requiring the use of competitive procedures, including section 2304 of title 10"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 905","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-HB2A67631C83D49EDB36D7FD3991BC375:~:text=905.%20Expansion%20of%20opportunities%20for%20housekeeping%20aides"},"heading":"Expansion of opportunities for housekeeping aides","effect":"Amends title 5 section 3310 so that its competitive service rule does not apply to housekeeping aide positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs.","amount":null,"quote":"(other than for positions of housekeeping aides in the Department of Veterans Affairs)"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 907","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H8CFA1EE412A44EFDAC2D060B4D8145FA:~:text=907.%20Waiver%20of%20pay%20limitation%20for%20certain"},"heading":"Waiver of pay limitation for certain employees of Department of Veterans Affairs","effect":"Lets the Secretary waive annual premium or aggregate pay limits for certain Veterans Health Administration employees whose duty station is closed or whose office is realigned, and for employees providing expanded care to veterans exposed to open burn pits, through September 30, 2027.","amount":null,"quote":"the Secretary may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee of the Veterans Health Administration for the calendar year during which"},{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 804","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H1974679CDA864491B1CB10D5F1E0BF71:~:text=804.%20Federal%20cause%20of%20action%20relating%20to"},"heading":"Federal cause of action relating to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina","effect":"Creates a federal cause of action for Camp Lejeune water exposure, and excludes any claim or action arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces.","amount":null,"quote":"This section does not apply to any claim or action arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces."}]},{"category":"political_name","items":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 401","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr#toc-H7BE96240D98B4AFD8783B7578813C48B:~:text=401.%20Treatment%20of%20veterans%20who%20participated%20in"},"heading":"Treatment of veterans who participated in cleanup of Enewetak Atoll as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of presumption of service connection of certain disabilities by Department of Veterans Affairs","effect":"Gives this section a short title that uses a person's name, and adds cleanup of Enewetak Atoll from January 1, 1977 to December 31, 1980 to the activities that count as radiation-exposed service for the presumption of service connection.","amount":null,"quote":"This section may be cited as the “Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022”."}]}],"version":{"type":"Enrolled Bill","date":null,"rule":"enrolled","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr"},"current":true,"model":"claude-sonnet-5-5","approved":"2026-10-15","approved_by":"checks"},"changes":{"first":{"chamber":"Senate","type":"Engrossed in Senate","date":"2022-02-17","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/es"},"final":{"type":"Enrolled Bill","date":null,"href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/enr"},"kept":0.01,"replaced":true,"removed":[{"cite":{"label":"Sec. 2","href":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text/es#idDC8A55552A5C457E8229DBE68FC560DC:~:text=2.%20Improving%20Iraq%20and%20Afghanistan%20Service%20Grant"},"heading":"Improving Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and Children of Fallen Heroes Grant","effect":null,"partly":null,"part":null}],"added":[],"added_count":58,"approved":"2026-10-15","approved_by":"checks"},"sources":{"congress_gov":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373","text":"https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3373/text"},"card":{"image":"card/item/117-s-3373.png","v":"dbaf4383619b","alt":"Votes on Record. S. 3373, 117th Congress: Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022. House: 342 Yea, 88 Nay. Senate: 86 Yea, 11 Nay. Outcome: Became law, 10 Aug 2022."}}