May 9, 2000

Co-sponsor the Women Vietnam Veterans’ Children’s Birth Defects Benefits Act

Dear Colleague:

Last year, VA Secretary Togo D. West, Jr. reported that women veterans of the Vietnam era were more likely to give birth to children with birth defects if they had served in the Republic of Vietnam. In particular, women veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam were more likely to give birth to children with severe birth defects than their counterparts who did not serve in Vietnam. These findings were based on research involving almost 90% of the women who served in Vietnam and who were alive on January 1, 1992. The study identified a statistically significant increase in a wide variety of birth defects.

I intend to introduce the "Women Vietnam Veterans’ Children’s Birth Defects Benefits Act of 2000", to provide compensation, health care and rehabilitative services to these disabled individuals born with a variety of birth defects in a manner similar to that currently provided for the children of Vietnam veterans who suffer from spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine. The bill I will be introducing is consistent with the legislative action Congress has taken in the past and would benefit those disabled individuals born with a variety of birth defects who where conceived after their mother’s service in the Republic of Vietnam.

As with previous legislative relief Congress has granted, my bill ensures that the VA has the authority to provide health care and appropriate compensation. Specifically, the bill provides the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs the authority to furnish the extensive medical help needed by disabled individuals suffering from various birth defects, including important case management services. This bill also gives the Secretary the flexibility to contract for care from private sources to ensure that appropriate medical services are provided.

I hope that Congress will take quick action to approve this legislation. The bottom line is there are disabled individuals who are paying a price for their mother's military service on behalf of our Nation. These individuals need and deserve the best assistance that our Nation can provide them. If you would like to be an original co-sponsor of this bill please contact Beth Kilker or Mary Ellen Mc Carthy by noon on Wednesday, May 17, 2000. 

Sincerely,

LANE EVANS
Ranking Democratic Member