CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The U.S. Senate has passed the landmark Honoring Our PACT Act, which is a sweeping health care bill for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
The successful vote Tuesday night follows almost a week long sit-in staged on the capitol grounds for the co-founder of Robstown based Burn Pits 360, veterans and other supporters of the bill.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer on the floor called the passage "a wonderful moment, especially for all the people who made this happen."
The president took to his social media platforms Tuesday night to express his gratitude over the bill's passage.
"The congress has just passed the Burn Pits legislation. Finally, finally, finally we're going to do justice those who we lost, as well as those who are still suffering from being exposed to the burn pits," said President Joe Biden.
Monday night, 3NEWS spoke to Rosie Torres from Burn Pits 360 on the steps of the capitol as she pleaded with lawmakers to support the bill and stand by our veterans. Tuesday, the group just crossed its biggest hurdle.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Aransas Pass Police kill man after kidnapping, car chase, shootout
- Harbor Bridge developer still not commenting on TxDOT order to halt construction
- 'It's incredible': Family of Selena talks new music from the Queen of Tejano on Good Morning America
- Corpus Christi family looks for answers after father of two was found dead inside burned SUV in San Antonio
- Corpus Christi LGBTQ+ community concerned stigma will grow as monkeypox virus spreads
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.