A new House Bill has been introduced by Congressman Chris Gibson (R-19 NY). The Bill HR-969, titled The Blue Water Navy, Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Act was presented to the 114th Congress on February 13th, 2015, and is referred to the House Committee of Veterans Affairs. This new bill replaces an older bill that died in the VA Congressional committee of 2014. The new bill is to clarify presumptions related to the exposure of certain veterans who served in the vicinity of the Republic of Vietnam and for other purposes.
House Bill HR-969, if passed, will afford proper equitable VA benefits to Vietnam veterans exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange. Thousands of Vietnam veterans who did not have boots-on-ground will be eligible for VA benefits, medical and compensation. The bill is important to those veterans who served our Country and who are sick so they may have better quality of life.
Once again, we veterans need the help of the American people. Please call your members of Congress, also write to them at their Washington, DC office, urge Congress to pass HR-969. Let not the Vietnam War Veteran be forgotten.
John J. Bury, US Navy retired advocate for Vietnam veterans
Media, Pa.
