116th Congress S. Bill 554
Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act Helps Protect Veterans Affected by Toxic Exposure to Burn Pits
Alex Epstein
A burn pit is an area of a military base designated for burning waste. Burn pits were widely used in US military bases overseas, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. Burning waste in open air releases toxic fumes and pollutants, which can lead to lung disease or death. In 2014, the Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry was established allowing veterans to report exposures to airborne hazards from burn pits. The Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act authorizes specified individuals to update the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry with the cause of death of a registered individual. Specifically, the bill authorizes a designee of a registered individual or family member to update the registry with the cause of death of the individual. This bill will help raise awareness of the health consequences of toxic pollutants that veterans face. I support the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act.