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Veterans were blindsided this Wednesday after Senate Republicans suddenly rejected a widely supported bipartisan measure that would have expanded medical coverage for millions. Including, coverage of Vets that have been exposed to toxic burn pits during their service.
In a move that shocked veteran groups Wednesday night, 41 Senate Republicans blocked this bill, including 25 who did support the bill only a month ago.
"We really expected yesterday to be a procedural vote that would go with easy passage," said Jeremy Butler, CEO of a nonprofit veterans’ organization. "That was the absolute expectation."
The PACT Act would have grown Veteran health care eligibility to more than 3.5 million combat veterans. These Vets were exposed to toxins while serving.
Many veterans believe the move was more politically motivated than anything else.
"They’re manufacturing reasons to vote against legislation that they literally voted for just last month," Butler continued. "it’s really a new level of low."
On Thursday, Jon Stewart chimed in about the issue.
*Warning strong language below. *