The U.S. military has routinely used burn pits over the years to get rid of all sorts of trash and debris.
And some of the things burned in those pits turned out to be toxic.
Millions of service members served near the pits. And some exposed to toxic smoke developed respiratory and other diseases and even some cancers. But the Veterans Administration routinely denied about 70% of related disability claims due to lack of evidence the burn pits were responsible.
It's been a sore subject among veterans' advocates for a long time. But now Congress has acted.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate gave final approval to legislation providing more health care and benefits for all veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.
The bill also expands eligibility for health care for certain conditions to veterans who served in Vietnam and others parts of Southeast Asia and were exposed to Agent Orange.
President Joe Biden has promised to sign the bill into law. All we can say is it's about time. Our service men and women made a commitment to our nation. The least we can do is honor our obligation to make sure they are properly cared for.