Klobuchar Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Research, Treat Veterans Affected by Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Statement

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is joining bipartisan legislation to expand research and treat veterans affected by exposure to toxic chemicals. The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 would establish a national center at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions faced by veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service and their descendants. The research would include Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War neurotoxins, Iraq and Afghanistan chemical weapons and burn pits as well as other chemicals and toxins.

"Many veterans have experienced adverse health effects after being exposed to toxic chemicals during their service, and we are now seeing that this exposure may even harm their children and grandchildren," Klobuchar said. "This bipartisan bill will demonstrate our continued commitment to our veterans and their families by strengthening our ability to diagnose and treat these conditions. We owe them no less."

The Toxic Exposure Research Act would create a national outreach campaign on potential long-term health effects of exposure to toxic substances by members of the Armed Forces and their descendants. Many times, symptoms of toxic exposure in descendants are misdiagnosed due to lack of understanding and scientific research. However, veterans have reported increased levels of cancers, birth defects and other conditions in their subsequent generations. This bill will support research to help determine the cause of these health conditions and lead to the appropriate support and benefits veterans and family members deserve. The bill is supported by Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Rolling Thunder, and a bipartisan group of senators.

Klobuchar has been a leader in the efforts to ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service receive the support they deserve. She strongly supported the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, which provided $13.4 billion in funding to extend disability compensation to a greater number of veterans who have experienced health complications related to Agent Orange. Klobuchar has also supported the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015, which would extend presumptive coverage of Agent Orange benefits to veterans who served aboard ships in the territorial seas of Vietnam.

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