Biden praises political unity at anniversary of the PACT Act expanding veterans benefits

By CHRIS MEGERIAN
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Joe Biden has praised leaders from both parties for unifying behind veterans a year ago, when they joined in passing the largest expansion of veterans benefits in decades. The PACT Act is intended to improve health care and disability compensation for exposure to toxic substances, such as burn pits used to dispose of trash on military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 348,000 veterans have had their claims approved in the last year. An additional 111,000 who are believed to have toxic exposure have enrolled in health care. The president and Utah’s Republic governor, Spencer Cox, joined in Salt Lake City on Thursday to speak about the act on its anniversary.