Veteran’s widow reflects on ‘emotional battle’ of burn pits illnesses as she introduces Biden at bill signing

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Just over two years after her husband Sgt First Class Heath Robinson died from a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to toxic burn pits while deployed in Iraq, Danielle Robinson stood in the White House on Wednesday as landmark legislation to care for veterans in a similar condition was signed into law. I know Heath would be proud of the journey and the battle and all the hard work and sleepless nights that we’ve been able to get the legislation passed.” Ahead of the president’s remarks, Ms Robinson addressed the crowded room: “As a military spouse, when your loved one returns home safely from a deployment, you count your blessings. The ultimate cuddler and protector to our sweet little girl and a leader with a strong warrior ethos to all those who served under him.” open image in gallery President Joe Biden looks on as Danielle Robinson, wife of Sgt First Class Heath Robinson, speaks during a signing ceremony for the PACT Act of 2022 Reflecting on the long path to getting legislation passed, she said: “I would like to thank all members of congress who supported and voted for the PACT Act, all the veterans’ organisations who help raise our voices on Capitol Hill, and all advocates like Jon Stewart for your support. open image in gallery President Joe Biden hands a pen to Brielle Robinson, the daughter of Sgt First Class Heath Robinson, after signing the PACT Act of 2022 into law In his remarks, Mr Biden called it the “most significant law our nation has ever passed to help veterans who were exposed to toxic substances” and said: “I was gonna get this done come hell or higher water.” He also thanked the campaigners and veterans’ groups who pushed for the federal government to act, and also specifically thanked comedian Jon Stewart: “You refused to let anybody forget.