Press Releases

Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019:

“I am thrilled that the Senate has finally followed the House's lead in passing the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. I look forward to President Trump quickly signing this bill into law so that, after decades of waiting, these veterans will finally get the benefits they have earned.”

Background:

Agent Orange was an herbicide used during the Vietnam era that has been known to be associated with certain health issues in people who have been exposed to its chemical components. The Agent Orange Act of 1991 stipulated that if a veteran served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 and has a disease that has been associated with exposure to Agent Orange, they are automatically presumed to have been exposed and, therefore, qualify for VA disability compensation. The Blue Water Navy Veterans Act of 2019 would extend the presumption of exposure to Agent Orange to veterans who served  offshore of Vietnam. Click here for more information. Read the bill here.