Dr. Ruiz's Burn Pits Priorities Advance in Defense Package

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) with key provisions pushed by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) to address the military’s use of toxic military burn pits.  

Over the years, Dr. Ruiz has worked to improve training for health care providers on the health effects of toxic exposure, getting much-needed legislation signed into law like H.R. 4397, the Department of Defense (DOD) Burn Pits Heath Provider Training Act. This year’s defense bill builds on Dr. Ruiz’s work by strengthening oversight of the DOD training program created under his legislation.  

Additionally, the funding package will assess DOD’s educational outreach on burn pits to active-duty servicemembers. This is in line with policy set out by Dr. Ruiz’s bill, H.R. 8430, the Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act.  

“Thanks to the Honoring our PACT Act, over 3.5 million veterans suffering from their toxic exposure are finally able to receive lifesaving benefits and health care,” said Dr. Ruiz. “Now, we must end the use of burn pits once and for all to prevent future servicemembers from developing respiratory diseases, cancers, and other illnesses.  

“We must also ensure that servicemembers – and the providers who treat them – have the tools they need to live healthier lives after they return home. With my priorities included, this year’s defense funding package will do just that and make a positive difference in their lives,” continued Dr. Ruiz. 

Earlier this year, President Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act, comprehensive legislation to get veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins they care they need from the VA. At the center of the PACT Act is Dr. Ruiz’s bipartisan legislation, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act, which established a presumption of service connection for 23 illnesses associated with burn pit exposure. 

BACKGROUND 

H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 23, invests in future capabilities that will allow the United States to confront the unprecedented challenges facing our nation at home and abroad, while also supporting key improvements in pay for service members and their families. 

The defense package includes several provisions based on Dr. Ruiz’s legislation:   

1. H.R. 4397, the Department of Defense Burn Pits Health Provider Training Act: Among other provisions, required DOD to provide a report to Congress on the status and timeline for completion of all studies being conducted or funded by the DOD to assess the health effects of burn pits. This legislation was signed into law as part of the NDAA for FY22.  
2. H.R 8430, Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022: DOD to assess risks on servicemembers serving near burn pits and establish outreach to those members about toxic exposure. 

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