Statement from Dr. Alondra Nelson on the Passage of the Bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act
Today, following Congress’s bipartisan passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, which expands health care benefits for veterans, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy head Dr. Alondra Nelson released the following statement:
“Central to our mission at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is transforming the hard-won knowledge of scientific discovery into policies and programs that improve the lives and health of all of the American people. This work includes President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, the whole-of-government mission to end cancer as we know it, which OSTP is proud to lead.
This year, as cornerstones of a national Unity Agenda, President Biden elevated our shared commitment both to our veterans and to combating cancer. More than 3.5 million veterans are estimated to have been exposed to toxic substances in the line of duty; that’s one in a hundred Americans. The PACT Act brings together both of those missions, and enshrines in law protections for America’s veterans who stepped up to defend our country and faced toxic exposures linked to deadly health consequences.
As the proud daughter and sister of a father, mother, and two brothers who served in the United States Armed Forces, I am gratified that we are honoring our veterans, as they honor us through their dedicated service.
The power of veterans’ voices is an important part of why this long-sought legislation is now heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”
###
