Pasco Reporter

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), along with Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), have introduced the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0 Act and the Burn Pit Elimination Act. These bills aim to enhance protections for veterans under the PACT Act and eliminate burn pits to prevent future toxic exposure cases.

The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0 Act directs the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report to Congress on the status and timeline of the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 2.0, which was planned to launch in October 2023. This registry is intended to improve veterans' experience with documenting their exposure to airborne hazards during military service and tracking health effects from toxic exposure.

The Burn Pit Elimination Act proposes redirecting funding from existing open-air burn pit contingency operations to additional U.S. Army Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal Systems, currently under prototype as an alternative to burn pits.

"While we’ve made significant strides with the PACT Act, we still have a long way to go when it comes to understanding the full impact of burn pit toxic exposure, ensuring all Veterans exposed receive the support they deserve, and preventing future exposure to these toxins," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "These bills are an important step in the right direction as we work toward these goals."

"As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Burn Pits Caucus, I am honored to champion the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) 2.0 Act and Burn Pit Elimination Act alongside my colleague, Senator Peter Welch," said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz. "These bills are the next step to ensure that the VA will complete the new burn pit registry and work on eliminating remaining burn pits, ensuring our servicemembers are no longer exposed to harmful airborne hazards."

"Those who have served our country deserve our support and commitment when they return home," said Senator Welch. "The PACT Act was a significant step toward ensuring that veterans exposed to burn pits are adequately protected. However, we still have a long way to go to mitigate the risk of toxic exposure to servicemembers."