PACT Act Finally Passes After Republican Senators Shamed Into Voting for Bill; Jon Stewart and Joe Biden React

After several Republican senators flipped to block the hugely popular PACT Act, the public outcry forced many of them to flip again.

This time, many of those Senate Republicans who voted against the bill's passage were forced to vote in support of it after the Senate held another vote to ensure its passage.

The vote itself was an overwhelming victory for supporters of the bill, as the bipartisan effort led to an 86-11 vote, according to NPR. Many of the 41 Republican senators who voted against it flipped.

This means that veterans injured by exposure to toxins can now gain the healthcare they need. The House passed the measure last month.

Republican Senators Shamed Into Voting for Pact Act

When the Senate Republicans first flipped and voted against the PACT Act, there was a huge public outcry, with many denouncing the hypocrisy of senators like Pat Toomey and Ted Cruz, who claimed they were "Patriots" but did nothing to support veterans.

In a statement, Cruz explained that the Democrats inserted a "gimmick" that made the spending on the bill "mandatory" instead of it being "discretionary." However, proponents of the bill pointed out that the spending on veterans' healthcare must be mandatory so it can never be taken away.

One of the bill's most vocal advocates, comedian and former "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, delivered an impassioned speech that went after Senate Republicans. He said the veterans earned their healthcare because they suffered for the country.

As reported by Vice News, after Republicans blocked it, Stewart became active in his campaign to shame Senate Republicans into action. He went on various news shows and even used his own platform, Apple TV's "The Problem With Jon Stewart," to continue blasting Republicans and refuting their arguments.

Stewart argued that Republicans' excuses were invalid because this was the same bill they signed a few months ago, and nothing was added to it.

His campaign to shame Republicans seemingly worked, as many senators who opposed the bill flipped again, this time approving the bill.

Jon Stewart and Joe Biden React to Bill's Passage

After the bill was passed, several veterans' groups gathered outside the Capitol. They held a news conference and thanked everyone who made it possible. Jon Stewart was among them.

Stewart joked that he wanted to apologize for cursing last week, which drew chuckles from the veterans gathered. He said he promised one of the veterans that he will not let this go, and they were going to get this done, and they got it done.

Stewart was not the only big name advocating for the bill's passage. For President Joe Biden, the PACT Act is a personal battle. His son Beau Biden died from brain cancer that was linked to his time with the military, as he was also exposed to burn pits.

Since his son's death, Biden had become a vocal supporter of the bill. With the PACT Act now passed, all that is left is his signature in order to make it a law.

In a statement, the White House said the nation has a "sacred obligation to properly prepare and equip the troops we send into harm's way," adding that it was also the country's obligation to care for them and their families when they return home. The statement further noted that the president looks forward to finally signing it.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Jon Stewart, Lawmakers Make Remarks After Passage of PACT Act for Veterans Healthcare - From PBS NewsHour