The President signed a new law co-authored by a Santa Barbara congressman extending federal health care eligibility to veterans exposed to toxic substances while on duty.
The legislation opens up health care benefits to more than 3.5 million veterans. The veterans were exposed to toxic chemicals and substances in burn pits and chemical clouds. It shifts the burden off of veterans to prove that they developed respiratory issues, or cancer due to their military service.
Democratic Congressman Salud Carbajal of Santa Barbara co-authored the legislation. It sets the stage for the exposed veterans to receive care, and potentially benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.