CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - After Republicans stalled the legislation last week, work continues in Washington to pass a bill to provide health care and benefits to 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, after Republicans stalled the legislation last week. But, Chicago politicians and veterans groups say vets should not have to wait.
“There’s absolutely no reason on God’s green earth that they (Senate) not pass that veterans’ bill,” said Chicago Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas.
Vallas spoke at Solider Field. He’s among those who say any redesign to the lakefront stadium must not include a name change or forget the field’s heritage. He also said veterans are suffering.
“...Provide the long-needed relief because vets have already died because of inadequate healthcare, so at the end of the day we have to carry this light,” Vallas said.
“In Washington, we’ve got to get laws passed to protect the service members who have come home who have been exposed to pollution and burn pits, whether it’s in Iraq or Afghanistan,” said former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.
Retired Chicago Alderman and veteran James Balcer said there are ongoing challenges for veterans and all Americans.
“It’s a patriot(ic) issue that we do more for the veterans, and I heard about the burn pits. I think that’s tragic, but I’ll bring up that we had to do something like that in Vietnam,” Balcer said.
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