Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Congressmember Salud Carbajal visited Santa Barbara’s Veterans Administration Clinic on Tuesday to talk with the medical staff about the new toxic exposure testing and treatment bill that President Biden signed on August 8. The cabinet secretary was touring clinics in Carbajal’s district — in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and the new Ventura clinic that opened on September 27 — to spread the word about the new program.

"A lot of veterans, you know a tough Marine like him, think that as warriors they shouldn't come in to file a claim shouldn't come in to get care because maybe someone else needs it, I am here to say to our veterans actually you are coming in to file your claim not only helps you but helps you battle buddies because we get a more complete picture of what veterans experienced in different situations," said McDonough.

McDonough and the group discussed the Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act — a law passed Aug. 8 providing benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and toxins during their service, and access to other V.A. programs.

“This law will undoubtedly impact current operations at the VA, and it is of the upmost importance that this new law does not interfere with the VA’s ability to provide timely care and benefits that veterans deserve,” Rep. Roy and his colleagues wrote in their letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

"We will really need your help communicating because we want every veteran, every single veteran to get the care they need and the benefits they deserve, the benefits they have earned, and we will not rest until they do," McDonough said.

McDonough announced VA will make all conditions outlined in the PACT Act presumptive from the date President Biden signed the bill into law on Aug. 10. The initial plan was to phase-in conditions over the next few years, but the secretary said those in need have waited too long.

Biden was joined by McDonough, members of Congress, veterans who had been exposed to toxins and representatives of Veterans Service Organizations. He was introduced by Danielle Robinson and Brielle Robinson, the surviving wife and daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, whom the PACT Act is named after.

Slotkin, McDonough and Stabenow talked about efforts ensuring veterans have access to health care and benefits, expanding innovative treatments for veterans and offering care for veterans exposed to burn pits during their military service.