Burn pit fund on the chopping block

March 14, 2025

{beacon}

Energy and the environment

Big story

Funds for poisoned veterans face chopping blocks

Democrats and Veterans Groups It's smoke coming out Regarding provisions from the StopGap federal spending bill passed by lawmakers this week.

The provision would cut the Bureau of Veterans Affairs (VA) fund to cover the costs of military burns and other related illnesses. Chemical Exposure.

The six-month government spending package that holds mostly federal spending at the 2024 level is Reduce VA's Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) next year.

The controversial fund aims to allocate $22.8 billion from October 1, 2025 to cover the expanded benefits of former service members suffering from military toxic exposures, including burn smoke and agent orange water contamination.

However, the ongoing resolution (CR) was drafted and passed by House Republicans Zeros Out Fund It would have been used in TEF in the fall.

“Next year we will cut more than $2 billion in funding needed to provide care to veterans exposed to burning pits, agent oranges and other toxic substances,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Thursday on the Senator's floor. “It can't go through.”

The Senate voted for StopGup on Friday evening.

The veteran group was also unhappy with the move, even liberal voters.caveatIt cuts funds “It will take a life expectancy” Social media posts.

Read more about Ellen Mitchell of the Hill.

Welcome to the hill Energy and the environment Newsletter, I'm Rachel Frasin – I'm speeding up you A policy that impacts everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

Has anyone forwarded this newsletter? Please subscribe here.

A real reading

How policy will impact current and future energy and environmental sectors:

In Michigan, Vance says US manufacturing can recover despite tariff anxiety and fall markets

(AP) – Vice President JD Vance toured the Michigan plastic manufacturing facility on Friday to promote his commitment to a national Trump administration industry renaissance, even as he is worried about consumer confidence and the sharp decline in financial markets.

The complete story

The worst storm of 2025 is outside the alley of a tornado, and bad weather forecasts predict

A tornado can (and has) hit all US states, but the area called the Tornado Alley is probably where your mind goes when you think of a dangerous twister. Accuweather's harsh outlook released this month, not the most concerning area this year.

The complete story

Canada file complaints against US steel and aluminum tariffs

Canada has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and calls for it to challenge consultations with the US over tariffs on certain aluminum and steel products from Ottawa.

The complete story

What we're reading

News flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics:

Raúl Grijalva reminded me of AS Tribal Community Champion Crossing Arizona (Arizona Mirror))
The sea surface of the world It rose faster than expected According to NASA analysis, in 2024ABC News))
Trump's trade war could have an impact Wisconsin Electric Grid? (Wisconsin Public Radio))

What others are reading

Currently, two important stories on the hill:

Live Update: The Senate will vote last to avoid shutdowns. Trump is planning for DOJ

The Senate approached funding for the government before the deadline Friday. read more

10 Democrats help Republicans move forward with GOP funding bills to avoid shutdowns

A group of 10 Democrats, including Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), voted on Friday to fund the government to advance the bills that Republicans trained until September 30th, taking an important step to infuriating many people in the party while avoiding government shutdowns. read more

Opinions on the hill

OP-ED related to energy and environment submitted to the hill: