The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would help U.S. veterans who were exposed to the burn pits and other toxins in Iraq and Afghanistan, Clare Foran of CNN reports.
The Senate also passed a bill in February with a similar goal. According to Foran, "The two bills next go through a reconciliation process -- either through a formal conference committee or a negotiation process -- before a final piece of legislation can be approved by both chambers and signed by the President into law."
On military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan, the burn pits were used to burn a variety of different hazardous waste, materials, and chemicals. The toxic fumes that many veterans were exposed to are believed to have caused cancer and respiratory conditions for many veterans.
According to NPR, the bill would allow more exposed veterans to get Department of Veterans Affairs health insurance and provide more disability benefits for those who experience illnesses related to the burn pits.
To read more about this issue, click here to read the article by Foran and click here to read the article by NPR.