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Gillibrand’s burn pits legislation passes the US Senate

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand speaks to the need of VA medical care for veterans sickened by military burn pits while serving overseas. She is at VanKeuren Square in Syracuse.
John Smith / WAER News
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand speaks to the need of VA medical care for veterans sickened by military burn pits while serving overseas. She is at VanKeuren Square in Syracuse.

The U.S. Senate passed burn pits legislation that would guarantee medical care for U.S service members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act was sponsored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Service members, veterans and their families pushed for the legislation for several years. It allows for a presumptive service connection for veterans who were exposed to burn pits and toxins.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.