Capito, Welch Introduce Legislation to Improve Data Collection on Burn Pit Exposure

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) introduced the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act. This bipartisan legislation would improve the government’s data collection on burn pit and toxic substance exposure by directing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to allow a designated family member or individual to update the burn pit registry with their veteran’s cause of death.

“Supporting our veterans and their families will always be one of the most important obligations of Congress. That is why I supported the PACT Act last year, and will continue working on bipartisan solutions that help the VA and Department of Defense improve data collection on the health impacts of toxic exposure,” Senator Capito said.

The Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act is supported by: the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Disabled Veterans of America (DAV), the Wounded Warrior Project, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

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