Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), released the following statements after introducing the Toxic Exposures in the American Military (TEAM) Act of 2021.

“One of my highest priorities as the lead Republican on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee is addressing toxic exposures. We failed veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam by not giving them the care and benefits they had earned until long after their service. For many, it was too late. We have to do better. We owe it those who are fighting illnesses right now. We owe it to future generations of servicemembers,” said Ranking Member Bost. “The TEAM Act is how we change the status quo. I am proud to join Senator Tillis, Senator Hassan, and the rest of our colleagues in introducing it today. I hope it is quickly considered in Congress and signed into law by the President on behalf of the thousands of veterans who are suffering from burn pits and other toxic exposures.”

“Our brave veterans risked their lives to protect our country and it’s our job to make sure they are supported back home, even years after they served,” said Senator Tillis. “As a Senator from North Carolina, I know firsthand the obstacles thousands of veterans who have been exposed to toxicants while serving have had to overcome, including many stationed at Camp Lejeune who spent decades pushing for documentation of their exposure and fair treatment for the damages caused by the military. This cannot continue to be the norm. After working alongside veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune and fighting for servicemembers exposed to toxicants from burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq, it’s clear the men and women who served our country deserve better. The TEAM Act ensures that all veterans are given a fair and uniform process to receive the health care and benefits to which they are entitled following exposure to toxicants during their service.”

The House companion to the TEAM Act was introduced today by Ranking Member Bost and is cosponsored by 11 Members of Congress, including, Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-A.S.), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Tex.), Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kans.), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.).

This legislation was previously introduced last Congress.

To learn more about the TEAM Act, click here.

Bill text of the TEAM Act can be found here.