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A bill that boosts health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits has hit a snag in the Senate, angering advocates like Jon Stewart who say help from the government is long overdue.
What are burn pits? Jon Stewart and veterans' advocates are pressuring the Senate to pass a health care bill for veterans.
Service members once they get back and we stop calling them wars. because those injuries carry on, and they have to be treated. sometimes it's not cheap. and congressmen and senators need to understand that. they need to truly look out for service members and veterans. it takes an extra effort instead of just posing for pictures with them on veterans day and memorial day and on the fourth of july. you actually have to work hard. and sometimes it's not cheap. >> yeah. wars are expensive, but we know who is bearing the ultimate price here. tom and mindy, i really appreciate both of you. we'll be...
It's just an affront. tom, what is this going to mean to veterans like you? >> well, it's going to be -- it's going to mean a great deal because up until now, when veterans that have been suffering from the toxic exposure, especially during the last 20 years of the wars in afghanistan and iraq, when they've gone to the va to seek treatment, almost eight in ten have been turned down. that's why we need this legislation. this is going to mean health care for them that are struggling, and as we know, people like kate that mindy just talked about, that we both know, and that mindy served with, she...
Has to be appropriated by congress, right? it all has to be approved. this is not a shell game for hiding money. only one sentence in the entire bill was removed from the vote on june 16th until now. that had to deal with taxable benefits for contract buyouts. it had nothing to do with $400 billion being shifted around. if you look at the bill, it is very clear that it can only be used for veterans. it's extremely clear in the bill. >> tom, what's your message to congress as the senate is expected to take this up again today? >> thanks for having me on, bri anna. the message is, this is a trul...