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The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill 86-11 after two parties agreed to a series of amendment votes to provide assistance to veterans if they are exposed to toxic burns while on duty.
The Senate last week tried to advance legislation called the Commitment to Address Comprehensive Toxicity (PACT) Act. But Republicans, who had previously backed the bill, largely opposed it, arguing that spending lacked proper guardrails.
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Senator Pat Toomey (Republican) called for a vote on an amendment to address those concerns, which Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) approved on Tuesday.
Schumer also voted for two other GOP amendments. Following these three amendment votes, a final vote is expected.
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“Two months ago, the Senate overwhelmingly passed this bill, securing the largest increase in medical benefits for veterans in decades,” Schumer said on the Senate floor on Tuesday. “We are generally dealing with that exact bill again, so there is no valid reason to delay the expeditious passage of the PACT law any further.”
Democrats and supporters, including comedian Jon Stewart, accused Republicans of delaying passage of the bill. dismissed contempt as a fare.
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“This kind of back and forth happens all the time in the legislative process,” he said. “Ultimately, I think the veterans service organization will be happy with the final product.”
Fox News’ Kelly Laco contributed to this report.