Dear John,

Happy Holidays! I hope you and your loved ones are taking care, especially after last week’s tornadoes. My heart is with all those who are suffering from this disaster. If you haven’t already, please report any damage you may have sustained here. Additionally, if my office can be of any assistance, never hesitate to reach out.

The holiday season is an important opportunity to reflect on what’s most important: our family, our health, our freedom, and our way of life. Today I want to take a moment to thank our veterans who defend these most previous things – and show my thanks with action. I’ve long been concerned about the terrible risks toxic exposures have posed to the health and wellbeing of our community, both here at home and for our service members abroad. Our veterans, and their families, have stood up and given so much for our nation during their service—we must fight for them now.  

That’s why I supported the First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act. This new law ensures veterans suffering from the effects of toxic exposures due to their service—including exposure to burn pits, asbestos, and other toxins—will now be eligible for the health care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. 

To help Louisiana’s veterans navigate through this new process, I want to make sure you’re aware of the resources available to veterans who can and should benefit from PACT Act provisions, more details can be found on the VA’s website, where you can also apply for benefits. 

Veterans Affairs offices are set to begin processing most PACT Act-related benefits claims on January 1st, the earliest date possible, but don’t wait to apply! If you apply for PACT Act-related benefits before August 10th of next year, then your benefits will be backdated to August 10, 2022. To find a Veteran Services Officer by county to help work through your claims, please visit the Louisiana Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

I encourage everyone eligible to get their claims in as soon as you can, and I hope you’ll join me in spreading the word to all veterans you know. It’s long past time for these brave men and women receive the benefits and care they deserve.

Toxins also have no place in our communities at home. I’ll keep fighting every day in Congress for the resources and laws to ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy communities in southeast Louisiana.

Sincerely,

Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Member of Congress