Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the Committee held its first legislative hearing on 15 bipartisan bills regarding toxic exposure among veterans.

One of the bills considered at today’s hearing is H.R. 2127, the Toxic Exposure in the American Military – or, the TEAM Act. The TEAM Act is sponsored by Ranking Member Bost and supported by more than 30 military and veterans service organizations. It would create a pathway to care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits or other toxins while serving our country in uniform.

“Today’s hearing made it painfully clear that the time to act for toxic-exposed veterans is now. Thousands of veterans are suffering. They need us to meet this moment with meaningful action to deliver the care and benefits they have earned before it is too late,” said Ranking Member Bost. “I introduced the TEAM Act to do exactly that. I am eager to work with Chairman Takano, Chairman Tester, and Ranking Member Moran to see the TEAM Act or legislation like it signed into law as soon as possible.”

Ranking Member Bost invited James L. Price to testify at today’s hearing. Mr. Price is a toxic-exposed veteran himself and is also the husband of Lauren Price, a toxic-exposed veteran who recently passed away from a rare cancer that her family believes was caused by exposure to burn pits. To watch Mr. Price’s testimony before the Committee today, click here.

To watch Ranking Member Bost’s opening remarks during today’s hearing, click here.

To learn more about H.R. 2127, the TEAM Act, click here.