“The hypocrisy is so galling, but then you get to the place where I’m at right now where it’s: How do you shame the shameless?” he thought aloud, detailing some of the veterans he’s worked with who are in need of the extended benefits the PACT Act provides.

The PACT Act, authored by Takano and signed by Biden on Aug. 10, expands Veterans Affairs health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, according to the VA. It adds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposures, as well as presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation. Presumptive conditions mean the veteran does not have to prove their service caused the condition; they only need to meet the service requirements.