I'm proud to announce that my efforts to lobby members of Congress to take action and write and pass legislation that will help veterans suffering severe health consequences due to toxic exposure from military burn pits in the Middle East are beginning to pay off. I couldn't do this alone and am thankful for the support from many here over the past 3 years. Some of you called your senators and house representatives many times or sent emails or letters. Every voice counts and we were heard.
Today, the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pits Transparency Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. I believe the Senate version of the same bill will be introduced tomorrow. (Wed). I was given a rough draft a while back asking for input and I'm thrilled my suggestions were added to the bill.
I found out a few days after Heath passed away that Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI) was almost ready to introduce this bill but was holding off wanting a Senate companion bill and present them together. I guess legislation has a better chance to move forward and become law if the House and Senate work together. Anyway, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown called Danielle and I to offer his condolences on Heath's death so I told him about Rep. Gabbard's bill and that she needs a Senator to collaborate with her on a senate version. I was told as soon as he got off the phone with me he ordered one of his staff members to contact Gabbard's office and Senator Rob Portman's office to team up with him and get this done.
Heath is shining down from above, smiling with pride at this honor. He wanted more than anything that his story will help fellow veterans. Now we need this bill to make it's way through the process and be signed into law. Once I get a game plan together I'll be asking my fellow Buckeyes to help by sending messages to your members of Congress asking for them to support and co-sponsor these bills.
After that, I've still got work and fighting to do. This is a great start but we need more.
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/pres...d730Fn7MbMsvZqvqIsZd1mTjmVyvRHfhw5OJp-clePuCs
Today, the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pits Transparency Act was introduced in the House of Representatives. I believe the Senate version of the same bill will be introduced tomorrow. (Wed). I was given a rough draft a while back asking for input and I'm thrilled my suggestions were added to the bill.
I found out a few days after Heath passed away that Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI) was almost ready to introduce this bill but was holding off wanting a Senate companion bill and present them together. I guess legislation has a better chance to move forward and become law if the House and Senate work together. Anyway, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown called Danielle and I to offer his condolences on Heath's death so I told him about Rep. Gabbard's bill and that she needs a Senator to collaborate with her on a senate version. I was told as soon as he got off the phone with me he ordered one of his staff members to contact Gabbard's office and Senator Rob Portman's office to team up with him and get this done.
Heath is shining down from above, smiling with pride at this honor. He wanted more than anything that his story will help fellow veterans. Now we need this bill to make it's way through the process and be signed into law. Once I get a game plan together I'll be asking my fellow Buckeyes to help by sending messages to your members of Congress asking for them to support and co-sponsor these bills.
After that, I've still got work and fighting to do. This is a great start but we need more.
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/pres...d730Fn7MbMsvZqvqIsZd1mTjmVyvRHfhw5OJp-clePuCs
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