Voters Strongly Support the Bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act
By Ellie DeCleene
On June 16, the Senate passed the Honoring Our PACT Act, a bipartisan bill led by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) that would deliver earned healthcare to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and other toxic chemicals while serving overseas. The bill now awaits House passage.
New Data for Progress polling finds that 93 percent of voters believe that it is “very” or “somewhat important” for the U.S. government to provide healthcare to veterans who were exposed to toxins while serving overseas. This includes 93 percent of both Democrats and Republicans and 92 percent of Independents, demonstrating remarkable bipartisan agreement.
When provided with a brief overview of the Honoring Our PACT Act, voters support the bill by a +88-point margin, including Democrats by a +90-point margin, Independents by a +88-point margin, and Republicans by a +87-point margin.
When asked about specific provisions of the act, voters again demonstrate overwhelming support. Among voters:
91 percent support expanding VA healthcare eligibility to post-9/11 combat veterans
88 percent support increasing investments in VA claims processing, workforce, and healthcare facilities
87 percent support strengthening federal research on toxic exposure
84 percent support adding toxic exposure-related conditions to the list of conditions presumed to be caused by military service
The Honoring our PACT Act is an important bipartisan achievement that will deliver critical relief for our nation’s veterans. A vast majority of voters across the spectrum clearly support the Honoring Our PACT Act, and Democrats should celebrate its passage.
Ellie DeCleene is an intern at Data for Progress.