Stauber Introduces Bipartisan Legislation for Veterans Impacted by Agent Orange

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) helped introduce H.R. 5610, the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) that would better ensure veterans exposed to Agent Orange get the care they deserve. Specifically, this bill would expand the VA's list of presumptive medical conditions associated with exposure to Agent Orange to include Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.

Of this legislation, Stauber stated, "When our servicemembers join the armed forces, they make the ultimate sacrifice – they put their lives on the line for the security of our nation and the safety of our families. It is only fair that we care for these servicemembers when they return home. Vietnam veterans have long been suffering from health problems as a result of Agent Orange exposure. That is why Congressman Harder and I introduced the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act, which adds Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism to the list of presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure, so that our veterans can access the healthcare and disability benefits they rightfully deserve. I'm proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important issue."

Harder stated, "These guys have waited for over 40 years for the benefits they earned and should have been getting decades ago. No more studies. No more excuses. Everyone seems to think this is the right thing to do except for some Washington bureaucrats – it's time to stop playing games and give our vets the benefits they earned."

The addition of these diseases comes at the recommendation of the National Academy of Medicine and 83,000 veterans will likely benefit from it.

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