Blumenthal Introduces Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015

Press Release

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and U.S. Representatives Dan Benishek, M.D. (R-Mich.), Mike Honda (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Esty (D-CT) this week introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support research into health conditions faced by descendants of veterans exposed to toxins during their military service. The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 (S. 901) -- supported by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), AMVETS, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Rolling Thunder -- would establish a national center at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility for research into the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances during their time in service. These include Agent Orange in Vietnam, Gulf War neurotoxins, Iraq and Afghanistan chemical weapons and burn pits as well as other chemicals and toxins.

"When servicemembers raise their right hand, they willingly risk life and limb to defend their country. However, few probably ever contemplate that this noble action would have serious and sometimes grave consequences for their children and grandchildren," said Sen. Blumenthal. "These children and grandchildren did not sign up, but they may bear the wounds of war. Declassifying documents and disclosure are critical and the least the government owes our veterans so they can better understand the impact these indirect exposures have to guarantee their children and grandchildren receive appropriate treatment. The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 will ensure this. We as a nation have just as much of a responsibility to the families as to those who actually wear the uniform."

"The Toxic Exposure Research Act is about addressing the painful, residual wounds of war that may impact a service member's family long after the military operation is over -- wounds that may not be evident until decades later when passed on to children and generations to follow," said Sen. Moran. "This bipartisan legislation is a necessary step toward making certain our military men and women and their descendants will be properly cared for in the future. We must keep our promise to our veterans and their families, who have made great sacrifices for the sake of our country's security and our freedom."

"We as a country have yet to fully understand the effects of toxics exposure on veterans and their families. I've heard from veterans here in Connecticut whose service in Vietnam exposed them to Agent Orange, and veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan who served near toxic burn pits. We owe it to our service men and women -- and their families -- who sacrificed so much for our country to find out the answers they deserve and make care and treatment for them, their children, and their grandchildren a priority. Thank you to Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with him to pass the Toxic Exposure Research Act in Congress," said Congresswoman Esty.

"Having served veterans as a surgeon at the Iron Mountain VA for over 20 years, I have seen far too many patients who suffer from unexplained, service connected ailments," said Dr. Benishek. "These conditions can even be passed down to their children. We owe it to our vets to find answers to illnesses caused by toxic exposure, and this bill will be a strong start to that process."

"Medical and scientific studies have shown that there are long term negative effects not only on the soldiers who served, but also in their children, their grandchildren, and subsequent generations," Congressman Honda said. "Many suffer from various forms of birth defects. It is time for us to take care of not just those who served, but also their children, whose diseases can be linked to their parent's exposure to toxins. This is about the sacred pact with members of our military: if you serve our country in uniform, we will look after your family during your service to this country and after."

The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015 would also authorize the Department of Defense to declassify certain incidents of exposure of members of the armed forces to toxic substances. Additionally the bill 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.