WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The PACT Act, named after Ohio veteran Heath Robinson, was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Wednesday at the White House.
According to the Biden administration, the PACT Act is the most significant expansion of veterans health care and benefits in more than three decades.
Heath's wife Danielle and daughter Brielle introduced President Biden at the ceremony. Biden had previously recognized Danielle during his State of the Union address in March.
"Today, I want to remember Heath," said Danielle Robinson.
The PACT Act expands health care for veterans exposed by burn pits to toxic chemicals.
Heath Robinson was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, after being deployed to Iraq after 9/11. Heath's mother-in-law, Susan Zeier, told 3News that Heath spent nearly three months near a burn pit the size of a football field.
"So many military families had to fight this terrible emotional battle, so many veterans are still battling burn pit illnesses today," said Danielle Robinson.
Biden signed the $280 billion PACT Act into law which will help countless veterans.
"We were able to fulfill our promise to Heath which was that we would continue telling his story so that others could be taken care of," said Zeier, adding that the signing of the bill is justice for her son-in-law.
The Department of Veterans Affairs details how veterans from Vietnam, the Gulf War and post 9/11 can receive the benefits.
"We just didn't want to see another family suffer the way we had to suffer," added Zeier.
Lydia Esparra continued our coverage of the signing of the PACT Act, as she spoke to a local veteran who has been dealing with the effects of toxic burn pits since the Gulf War. Watch in the below video:
Previous Reporting:
- President Biden signs 'burn pits' help for vets, a personal win, too
- Senate approves bill to aid veterans exposed to toxic burn pits; measure is named after late Ohio soldier Heath Robinson
- Senate Republicans block legislation named after Ohio soldier meant to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits
- House passes 'Heath Robinson Act' named for Ohio soldier who died after exposure to burn pits
- Sandusky native reflects on recognition at State of the Union Address