Dear Friend,   Last August, Congress enacted the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in 30 years. I was proud to vote for the PACT Act, which guarantees health care for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The legislation also expanded eligibility for post-9/11 combat veterans to enroll in VA health care. In all, the PACT Act expanded benefits for nearly 3.5 million veterans.   Yet only half a million veterans have applied for benefits so far—and two important deadlines are fast-approaching:  Veterans and their survivors must submit PACT-Act related claims or their intent to file by August 9, 2023, to access 12-month retroactive compensation. Post-9/11 combat veterans discharged more than ten years ago must enroll in VA health care on or before September 30, 2023, to take advantage of the open enrollment.  For too long, the federal government has neglected its obligation to serve and support our veterans. The PACT Act was a critically overdue step to change that.   Don’t wait. If you or someone you know is eligible for benefits, apply today. Visit the VA.Gov/PACT, call 1-800-698-2411 or contact my office for more information and support in accessing VA benefits and health care.