Rep. Sykes Issues Response To The State Of The Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) issued the below statement following yesterday’s State of The Union Address by President Biden:
“Last night, the president outlined a clear vision to move our country forward by building upon the historic successes we accomplished in the last three years. House Democrats and this Administration have a proven track record of delivering results to lower prescription drug costs and reduce health insurance premiums with the Inflation Reduction Act, rebuild our roads and bridges with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and reduce gun violence in our communities with the Safer Communities Act. This agenda invests in the American people, and we are already seeing the benefits back in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes. “I applaud the president’s continued commitment to growing the middle class, defending our freedoms and democracy, and improving the safety of our communities. These are the real issues I hear about every day from my constituents back home. By putting people over politics, we can deliver a brighter future for Americans across the country.”
Rep. Sykes hosted Tim Hauser as her guest for the State of the Union. Hauser is a Gulf War veteran and founder of the Veterans Assurance Network from Twinsburg. He was one of the many veterans who fought to pass the bipartisan PACT Act to ensure veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their service receive the health care they deserve, and he attended the signing of the PACT Act into law. Hauser was also a key reason Rep. Sykes hosted a roundtable last year to educate veterans about the expanded health care benefits available as a result of the PACT Act.
“It was a dream to be invited to the State of the Union by Congresswoman Sykes, who represents me and my family. It’s an honor to be recognized for my advocacy on the PACT Act and be given the opportunity to let my fellow veterans and Americans everywhere know about the new health care benefits available now for toxic-exposed veterans. My work isn’t done – I won’t stop until all eligible veterans are enrolled in their PACT Act benefits,” said Tim Hauser.
“I was pleased to hear the president emphasize the importance of the PACT Act in his address. By accelerating the eligibility timeline for veterans to access these benefits years ahead of schedule, we are fulfilling our promise to serve our veterans as well as they have served our country,” added Rep. Sykes.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that starting March 5, 2024, veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service will be able to enroll in VA health care – years earlier than expected.
All eligible Veterans are encouraged to visit the PACT Act website or VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and apply for VA health care. The PACT Act enacted the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans in more than 30 years. Since the PACT Act was signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, more than 500,000 Veterans have enrolled in VA health care.