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February 27, 1998 PERSIAN GULF VETERANS ACT OF 1998 Dear Colleague: Yesterday, I introduced H.R. 3279, the Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998, a comprehensive bill addressing the concerns of veterans who suffer from Persian Gulf War illnesses. I invite you to cosponsor this important legislation. The Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 offers the best way to meet two distinct needs. This legislation provides VA a scientific foundation on which to base its decisions about compensation and, at the same time, provides veterans assurance that VA is basing their compensation decisions upon science that exists today—not information that may or may not become available at some time in the future. What we know today is that some veterans remain sick seven years after their service in the Persian Gulf War. The Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 assumes that this service, as opposed to exposure to unknown agent(s), is a risk factor for development of certain conditions experienced by Persian Gulf veterans. These conditions seem to be more prevalent in veterans who served in the Persian Gulf than their peers who did not serve. The Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 responds to recommendations which have been made by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses. It also responds to problems Congress has investigated for the last five years, including improving the way the Department of Veterans Affairs compensates Persian Gulf veterans, establishing effective oversight for the federal research agenda, addressing the need for identification of emerging technologies, and creating more effective health care treatment options for veterans. The Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 offers real-world solutions for these problems that can be implemented in the near future. Dr. Arthur Caplan, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses (PAC), recently told Congress, "Gulf War Illness is a very real phenomena. No one on this committee should doubt that for a moment. What should be forthcoming…is an unwavering commitment from this Congress and this administration to provide the health and disability benefits to all those who became sick when they came back from the Gulf." Dr. Caplan also explained the PAC’s endorsement of a prevalence model, such as the one The Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 uses, which he stated, gave veterans "the greatest benefit of the doubt." I am particularly pleased that the Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998 is supported by major organizations advocating on behalf of Persian Gulf War veterans, such as The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Again, I invite you to cosponsor the Persian Gulf Veterans Act of 1998. To cosponsor, or if you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Susan Edgerton or Sandra McClellan at 5-9756.
Sincerely, LANE EVANS Ranking Democratic Member |