President Joe Biden and Utah’s Republican governor, Spencer Cox, visited the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to honor the one-year anniversary of the PACT Act. This law aims to improve healthcare and disability compensation for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits used to dispose of trash in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Biden praised the bipartisan support behind the act, which has resulted in the largest expansion of veterans benefits in decades. He shared his personal connection to the issue, as his late son, Beau Biden, had served overseas in the Delaware National Guard and was stationed near a burn pit. The president emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving meaningful change.
The PACT Act has already made a significant impact, with over 348,000 veterans having their claims approved in the past year. Additionally, approximately 111,000 veterans with toxic exposure have enrolled in healthcare. Burn pits are known to contain various hazardous materials, such as tires, chemicals, and jet fuels, which release toxic smoke and pose serious health risks to military personnel. President Biden expressed his concern for the well-being of these veterans, stating that many of them were once the fittest and best-trained warriors but returned home fundamentally changed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been working tirelessly to process the influx of applications resulting from the expanded benefits. However, this has led to a backlog of disability claims, which is expected to increase from 266,000 to 730,000 by April. VA Secretary Denis McDonough acknowledged the challenge and assured veterans that the department is working to expedite the claims process and provide timely responses. Furthermore, anyone who files a claim or signals their intent to do so by Monday could receive retroactive payments if their claim is approved.
President Biden’s visit to Utah was not without its challenges. Prior to his arrival, an individual suspected of threatening to kill the president was fatally shot by FBI agents while they were serving a search warrant. The man had posted online threats against President Biden, leading to the intervention by law enforcement. Despite this incident, the president remained focused on his agenda and continued to engage with supporters and address important issues.
During a fundraiser in Park City, President Biden reflected on the divisions within the country and emphasized the need for unity. He acknowledged encountering both enthusiastic supporters and individuals expressing their opposition, including children making obscene gestures. The president reiterated his commitment to bridging these divides and bringing people together for the betterment of the nation.
In addition to veterans’ benefits, President Biden discussed his approach to international relations, particularly regarding China. He described China as a “ticking time bomb” due to various internal problems but expressed his desire to avoid confrontation. The president recently signed an executive order to regulate high-tech investments in China, highlighting the intensifying competition between the United States and the world’s second-largest economy.
President Biden’s visit to Utah concluded his three-state Western swing, during which he combined events highlighting his first-term achievements with campaign fundraisers. His trip encompassed various issues, including climate change, economic policies, and national monuments. Throughout his journey, the president emphasized the importance of collaboration, bipartisanship, and addressing the needs of the American people.
Original Story at www.krwg.org – 2023-08-12 14:10:00
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