‘God Bless Our Troops:’ How Biden’s signature speech-ender continues to have an impact

By Christina Lorey

April 1, 2025

“God bless our troops.”

It may have seemed small, but former president Joe Biden ended EVERY speech with those four words — and his actions backed them up.

One of the most impactful pieces of legislation the former president signed into law is called the PACT Act — the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history.

Its main purpose? To make sure veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances can get the help they need for free.

🇺🇸 MORE: Everything the PACT Act Really Does

Biden’s late son Beau died of brain cancer, which doctors believe was the result of years of burn pit exposure while deployed.

The law also requires the VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran AND funds research and treatment studies related to toxic exposures in hopes of saving future lives.

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Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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CATEGORIES: NATIONAL POLITICS

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