Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act passed the House of Representatives. Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) introduced the bipartisan legislation earlier this month with a fellow doctor, Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA). The Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act would strengthen and enhance the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) registry of service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes from open-air burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Congressman Wenstrup and Congressman Ruiz released the following statements after the passage of the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act:

“As an Iraq War veteran, I am familiar with the use of burn pits in theater and understand the potential harm burn pits can inflict on service members, even years after exposure. The Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act would ensure the VA has more accurate records for veterans exposed to burn pits, so we can better serve those with service-related illnesses,” said Congressman Brad Wenstrup. 

Click here to listen to Congressman Wenstrup’s floor remarks on the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act.

 Support from the Clermont County Disabled American Veterans Chapter:

“The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter #63, in Clermont County, thank Congressman Wenstrup for his bill, the Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act. We have long advocated for Congress to pass legislation to research and therefore better assist service members exposed to toxins while serving in the United States Armed Services. This bill is a critical step toward that objective,” said John Plahovinsak, Senior Vice Commander of the DAV Department of Ohio.

The Burn Pit Registry Enhancement Act, H.R. 1381:

• Ensures the VA burn pit registry may be updated with the cause of death of a registered veteran;
• Allows a designated individual or immediate family member to report the cause of death of a registered veteran;
• Provides a process by which a registered veteran may make a designation regarding who is to make the report to the registry on their behalf.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since 1998, currently holding the rank of Colonel. In 2005-06, he served a tour in Iraq as a combat surgeon, and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his service. In 2018, Colonel Wenstrup was awarded the Soldier’s Medal.