NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal hosted a town hall with Atlantic County veterans to listen to their concerns and discuss critical issues that impact them and to highlight the benefits now available to toxic-exposed veterans under the PACT Act.
The PACT Act is the largest expansion in benefits and care to veterans in decades, providing support to generations of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits and other environmental hazards such as Agent Orange. Since its passage one year ago, over 909,000 disability claims have been filed under the PACT Act, and over 373,000 have already been approved. The VA has completed over 4 million toxic exposure screenings since the PACT Act passed–screenings that will save lives by helping doctors catch toxic-related diseases earlier.
During the Town Hall, Senator Booker also discussed his efforts to expand access to community care for veterans in South Jersey, expand mental health resources for veterans to combat the epidemic of veteran suicide, expand eligibility for services to combat veteran homelessness, and to expand gender specific health care for women veterans.
“Veterans are the backbone of this country and have sacrificed immensely to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Booker. “As we continue to honor those who have served, we must ensure that all veterans have access to quality, affordable healthcare, including mental health services, housing, job opportunities, and educational benefits.”
“I love veterans because they have made a commitment that nobody else in America has,” said Marco Polo Smigliani, Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board. “They are owed greater debt and gratitude than they receive. I appreciate Senator Booker and Under Secretary Elnahal hearing from us today and for working together with us to improve our support to veterans.”
Throughout his time in the Senate, Booker has tirelessly advocated for the nearly 400,000 veterans who call New Jersey home. In 2021, Booker introduced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, a bicameral bill expanding access to mental health services for veterans and their families. Earlier this summer, he introduced theDOULA Act , which would establish a pilot program to provide doula services to support veterans experiencing pregnancy, and the Women Veterans Appreciation Day resolution with Rep. Mikie Sherrill, which designated June 12, 2023, as Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize the service and sacrifices of women veterans who have served valiantly on behalf of the United States. Booker has also introduced the GI Bill NEED Act, which extends the time limitation for using educational assistance under the VA when educational institutions are temporarily or permanently closed due to an emergency situation. This bill was later passed as part of the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
Today’s visit to Atlantic County was part of Booker’s 2023 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties and the incredible progress that the state is making. The road trip will focus on Booker’s efforts to secure congressionally directed funding for critical projects in the state; his legislative priorities, including his work to address the opioid epidemic, counter the scourge of gun violence, and serve New Jersey veterans; and his support of local businesses and organizations.