WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are seeking to tweak the historic "PACT Act."
The House Veterans Affairs Committee on Thursday began debate on the "Toxic Exposure Fund Improvement Act."
Supporters say the original law needs to be adjusted, specifically: the metrics used to calculate how much money individual veterans are entitled to as far as compensation.
Chairman Mike Bost (R-Illinois) said his measure would increase disability compensation and expand health care services for a larger group of veterans who were exposed to toxic substances or served in certain locations during their military service.
"Some of the mechanics are complicated, but the goal is very simple," Bost said. "We need a toxic exposure fund that pays towards the health care expansions and the costs to deliver benefits under the PACT Act."
However, ranking member Mark Takano (D-California) said the proposed changes would "cap" appropriations and "narrow the bill's purpose." He said the change would amount to "reneging" on the "PACT Act."