Ross Introduces Expanded Agent Orange Bill to Help Veterans

Statement

U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), Senior Deputy Majority Whip, made the following statement after introducing the Fighting for Orange-Stricken Territories in Eastern Regions (FOSTER) Act, which would provide presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to Vietnam War Era veterans who served in specific areas and show symptoms of medical conditions currently associated with such exposure in order to receive U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits:

"Nearly every day, I speak to or hear about Vietnam veterans who say they were exposed to Agent Orange, but are unable to receive VA benefits for their diseases associated with this toxic herbicide because the Department of Defense (DOD) does not acknowledge Agent Orange was used in the areas they claim to have been exposed. These brave men and women cannot be denied help any longer, which is why I introduced the FOSTER Act to help them qualify for VA benefits.

"Currently, the DOD denies Agent Orange was ever used outside of Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam War, despite the influx of veterans coming forth with claims of exposure outside of these areas, including Guam. My legislation would grant presumptive Agent Orange exposure status to U.S. service members who served in specific areas outside of Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam War and suffer from any of the diseases the U.S. Government has linked to Agent Orange.

"I have also requested additional information from the DOD regarding what specific chemicals were used during the Vietnam War, and hope to maintain an open dialogue. I will not let the DOD drag its feet on this or allow a "deny until they die' attitude toward our courageous veterans. If there is a cover up, we are going to get to the bottom of it. I refuse to forget those who put our lives before their own, like MSgt. Leroy Foster of Lakeland who served in Guam during the Vietnam War."

"It is downright heartbreaking and shocking to hear these veterans list off their myriad of ailments and life-threatening conditions, knowing our government isn't providing them any relief even after they selflessly put their lives on the line to serve and defend our nation. We must quickly provide them the help and services they deserve."

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